Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been added to Rosfinmonitoring’s list of individuals whom the agency considers to be involved in terrorist or extremist activities. The decision was taken after the entrepreneur was charged in absentia in Russia with aiding terrorism and placed on an international wanted list. No court verdict has been handed down in this case.
Briefly about the main points
- Durova has been added to Rosfinmonitoring’s list.
- Russia has charged him in absentia with aiding terrorism.
- The businessman is wanted internationally.
- This status restricts transactions and assets within the Russian financial system.
- Telegram has rejected the Russian authorities’ claims.
The Russian case against the founder of Telegram
The Russian authorities have put forward To Pavel Durov Charges brought in absentia under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — aiding and abetting terrorist activities. The Russian security services claim that Telegram’s administration has failed to remove channels, chat rooms and bots that were allegedly used to recruit people and plan sabotage operations.
One of the grounds for the criminal prosecution was the operation of the «Dayvinchik/Leo» dating chatbot, available on Telegram. According to the investigation, it was allegedly used to recruit users to carry out attacks and arson attacks on transport, energy and other infrastructure facilities.
The fact that a person has been placed on an international wanted list does not in itself mean that there is a public Interpol Red Notice. Such a notice is only issued following a request from a member state and verification by the organisation that it complies with its own rules.
What restrictions does the list set out?
Inclusion on the Rosfinmonitoring list results in the freezing of bank accounts and other assets within the Russian financial system. Banks and other organisations that handle funds or property must apply the restrictions laid down by law to those on the list.
Individuals on the list may only make strictly defined payments; other transactions require special authorisation. Rosfinmonitoring explains that it adds people to the list on the basis of procedural documents received from the competent authorities.
This financial status does not constitute a judicial admission of guilt. Its practical implications for Durov will depend on whether he holds any accounts or assets within Russian jurisdiction.
The pressure on Telegram is becoming personal
Telegram remains one of the most widely used messaging apps in Russia, although the authorities have already restricted its speed and stepped up regulatory pressure on the platform. In February, Roskomnadzor cited anti-fraud measures and compliance with legal requirements as the reasons for the new restrictions; that same month, a Moscow court fined the service a total of 10.8 million roubles.
This new development directly concerns the platform’s founder, rather than just the company. This may indicate a shift in the nature of the pressure from technical restrictions and fines to personal criminal and financial prosecution.
Following the announcement that Durov was wanted, an official Telegram-linked account on X published an image of the messaging app’s founder. The company stated that it is committed to protecting privacy, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly; in its own guidelines, Telegram also notes that it removes terrorist content and has stepped up moderation using artificial intelligence tools.
