Russia moves to arrest Telegram founder Pavel Durov

Russian authorities have announced they are seeking the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of “complicity in terrorism” by allegedly allowing the messaging platform to be used by Ukraine’s security services to recruit individuals.

The latest move marks another chapter in the long-running standoff between Moscow and the Russian-born tech entrepreneur, who has spent years living outside Russia and holds both French and United Arab Emirates citizenship.

Durov, a prominent technology founder, has repeatedly found himself at odds with the Kremlin as the Russian government has intensified its control over internet services and digital communications.

Telegram remains one of Russia’s most widely used messaging platforms despite repeated efforts by authorities to limit its influence.

Over the years, the Russian government has attempted to block access to the app and has pressured Durov to provide user data, while also promoting a state-backed messaging service as an alternative to the encrypted platform.

The FSB security service said it had launched international search proceedings for Durov, who is also Telegram’s CEO.

“An international wanted notice has been issued… for the head of the Telegram administration, P. Durov,” it said in a statement.

It was unclear what kind of wanted notice Russia had issued and whether other countries or law enforcement bodies would accept or comply with it.

– Social media war –

Moscow frequently targets political enemies on charges of supporting “terrorism” or “extremism”, including those who have left the country.

The FSB alleged Telegram had been used as a recruitment platform for Ukrainian security services looking to coerce Russians to commit sabotage acts and that Durov had not removed “prohibited information”.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using social media to recruit people to support them in the four-and-a-half-year war.

Durov, 41, lives in France, where he has also faced legal issues over allegations concerning the spread of illegal content on Telegram.

Born in Saint Petersburg — President Vladimir Putin’s home city — Durov founded VKontakte, a social media site widely known as “Russia’s Facebook”.

He was essentially forced out of the company as it came under pressure from the authorities in the mid 2010s and founded Telegram, a social media platform and private messenger.

Telegram quickly became one of the most used online services in Russia and easily thwarted a years-long attempt by Moscow’s internet authorities to block access inside the country.

Durov did not immediately comment on the FSB allegations.

This year, the VKontakte social network now controlled by the state and known as VK has been pushing government-backed messenger Max, urging Russians to switch from Telegram and WhatsApp.

Durov has criticsed the platform as “a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship.

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