Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been placed on the international wanted list.

Telegram messaging app founder Pavel Durov has been placed on the international wanted list on charges of aiding terrorist activity. The platform's creator was formally charged by Russia's Federal Security Service.

What exactly does the FSB accuse Pavel Durov of?

According to the FSB, the prosecution was motivated by Telegram's failure to delete channels and bots allegedly used for terrorist attacks, sabotage, and mass murder. Specifically, Russian intelligence agencies claim the platform has become a tool for coordinating crimes.

Furthermore, state media, citing security officials, claim that Ukrainian intelligence officers, posing as women, used the Telegram service "Dayvinchik" to meet Russian men and deceive them into engaging in terrorist activities.

Detentions and blocking of the "Dayvinchik" service

As a result, according to the FSB, since July 2025, security forces in 16 regions of Russia have detained 46 young people who were allegedly recruited in this way.

Consequently, the Russian Investigative Committee reported that the country is already taking the necessary measures to block the "Dayvinchik" chatbot.