Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 29, 2026 —

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced that it is adding Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the messaging app Telegram, to international wanted lists. The agency has accused Durov of aiding terrorist activities.

This action by the FSB represents a significant escalation in the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to exert control over digital communications within the country. The move comes at a time when parliamentary elections are approaching and Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine.

Pavel Durov is a prominent figure in the tech world, known for also founding VKontakte, which was at one time Russia’s largest social network. He left Russia and has since positioned himself as a staunch advocate for free speech. Durov has previously been vocal in his opposition to attempts by the Kremlin to restrict the operations of Telegram.

The specific details of the accusations and the evidence held by the FSB were not immediately provided. The FSB’s move to place Durov on international wanted lists indicates a potential broadening of their efforts to target individuals perceived as undermining state control over information channels.

Telegram has become a widely used platform for communication, and its encrypted nature has made it a subject of interest for security agencies globally. However, the Russian government has previously sought greater access to user data and content on the platform.

Durov’s history includes publicly challenging government demands for access to user communications, framing these efforts as infringements on privacy and free expression. The current accusations by the FSB place him in direct conflict with Russian state security objectives.



Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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