Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and has started the process of placing him on the international wanted list, according to Russian state media.
The FSB alleges that Telegram failed to remove channels, chats and bots that were allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence to plan attacks inside Russia.
Authorities also claim that Telegram’s dating service was used to recruit Russians for terrorist activities. It is also said that an international warrant for his arrest has been issued.
According to Russian legal experts, Durov could face arrest in absentia as part of the legal process to seek his extradition through Interpol. Russian media also reported that the charges could carry a life sentence if he is convicted. Durov has not publicly responded to these latest charges.
Durov has previously faced legal action in France over allegations related to illegal content on Telegram, including child sexual abuse material, fraud and drug trafficking.