February 24, 2026

RG and Komsomolskaya Pravda: Pavel Durov's actions are being investigated under the article on aiding terrorist activities

The actions of Telegram founder Pavel Durov are being investigated under the article on aiding terrorist activities (Part 1.1, Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code), reported Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Komsomolskaya Pravda. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the "illusion of anonymity" in the messenger has led "radicals, drug addicts, murderers, and terrorists there, which has begun to form threats to our society." In particular, Telegram was used to prepare the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall and the murders of Daria Dugina and General Igor Kirillov. As specified in both articles, during the full-scale war in Ukraine, the messenger "became the main tool of the special services of NATO countries and the 'Kyiv regime.'" At the same time, Durov refuses to comply with the demands of the Russian authorities, so the Kremlin had to take measures. As Rossiyskaya Gazeta clarifies, after blocking calls, the number of cybercrimes dropped by 23%, and from February 10, 2026, "thanks to the work of Roskomnadzor, traffic degradation increased to 55%." "And immediately, as if on command, provocative statements by Pavel Durov appeared on the internet, where he compared Russia to Iran and shouted about 'restriction of freedom.' Doesn't he want to hint that his platform is ready to become a battering ram for a new 'color revolution' in our country? These words are not just the resentment of a businessman, they are a direct threat to socio-political stability," writes the author of Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Other details of the case are not provided. In the summer of 2024, Pavel Durov spent several days under arrest in France. He was charged with a number of crimes, including refusing to provide information upon requests from the authorities. As a result, the French authorities allowed him to leave the country.