Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been added to Rosfinmonitoring\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n The Russian authorities have put forward To Pavel Durov<\/strong> Charges brought in absentia under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation \u2014 aiding and abetting terrorist activities. The Russian security services claim that Telegram\u2019s administration has failed to remove channels, chat rooms and bots that were allegedly used to recruit people and plan sabotage operations.<\/p>\n One of the grounds for the criminal prosecution was the operation of the \u00abDayvinchik\/Leo\u00bb 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n
The Russian case against the founder of Telegram<\/h2>\n
What restrictions does the list set out?<\/h2>\n
The pressure on Telegram is becoming personal<\/h2>\n