{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/Pages/technology/international affairs/russia-opens-criminal-investigation-against-telegram-founder-pavel-durov"},"headline":"Russia Opens Criminal Investigation Against Telegram Founder Pavel Durov","description":"Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, alleging the platform has been used to promote extremist and terrorist activities.","image":["https://res.cloudinary.com/donttjaap/image/upload/v1772001326/primetime_news/tuiytaizxuuncspgvrbn.avif"],"datePublished":"2026-02-25T06:35:26.826Z","dateModified":"2026-02-25T06:35:26.826Z","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Sneha Kumari.","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time Cyber Media","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/logo.png"}},"articleSection":"technology","articleBody":"

Russia Opens Criminal Investigation Against Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

\n\n

Moscow: Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation against :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, the founder of :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, accusing him of facilitating extremist and terrorist activities through the messaging platform.

\n\n

The case has reportedly been initiated following inputs from Russia’s security agencies, which claim that Telegram has been used to coordinate unlawful activities, including acts classified as terrorism under Russian law.

\n\n

Officials argue that the platform’s encryption policies and refusal to share user data with authorities have hindered investigations into criminal networks. However, Telegram has consistently maintained that it complies with international laws while prioritising user privacy and data protection.

\n\n

Durov, who left Russia in 2014 and currently resides abroad, has previously criticised government attempts to control digital platforms. He has not yet issued a detailed public response to the latest investigation.

\n\n

The move is seen as part of Moscow’s broader push to regulate foreign-based technology platforms operating within Russia. Telegram remains widely used across the country, including by officials, journalists and civilians.

\n\n

The development could further escalate tensions between Russian authorities and global tech companies over data control, national security and digital freedom.