Russian authorities have reportedly launched a criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov. The government accuses him of “abetting terrorist activities” and claims his popular messaging app has become a tool for Ukraine and Western intelligence agencies to attack Russia.
This news comes just days after Russia blocked access to Telegram and WhatsApp within its borders. The ban appears to be part of a government effort to push citizens toward “Max,” an unencrypted, state-owned messaging app that allows for easier monitoring of user communications.
The crackdown has sparked criticism even among pro-Russian voices because the Russian military relies heavily on Telegram. Soldiers use the app to coordinate movements on the front lines, while authorities near the Ukrainian border use it to warn civilians about incoming drone and missile attacks. Even Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson regularly uses Telegram to speak with the media.
Despite the military’s dependence on the app, state-run media outlet Rossiiskaya Gazeta claims Telegram acts as a weapon for “NATO countries’ secret services and the Kyiv regime.” Citing Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the publication alleges the app intercepts location data, sells secret information, and intimidates soldiers and their families.
Durov has not yet issued a statement regarding the new criminal investigation. However, after Russia blocked the app earlier this week, he said the government was restricting access to “force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship.”
The tech billionaire has a long history of conflict with the Russian government. Born in Russia, Durov co-founded VK, the country’s largest social network. He fled the country years ago after stating the Kremlin pressured him to sell his stake in the company and compromise user data.
