Russia has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list for allegedly aiding terrorism, citing the platform's refusal to block Ukrainian intelligence channels, according to reports.
Russia has officially placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list for aiding terrorism, according to reports. The listing, which attributes the charges to Telegram's refusal to block channels operated by Ukrainian intelligence, comes hours after the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced it had filed a criminal indictment against Durov and initiated the procedure to place him on the list.
The Zioneer reported at 11:32 Jerusalem on Wednesday that the FSB had filed the indictment and was seeking the international wanted listing. Earlier reports, also at 11:32, had indicated that an arrest warrant had been issued, with the initial report coming from the Abu Ali Express channel. The story evolved from a single-source report to official confirmation from the FSB, with the cryptocurrency GRAM dropping approximately 3% as the market reacted to the news.
The move is the latest escalation in long-running tensions between the Russian government and Telegram. As The Zioneer reported, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed talks with Telegram's management about restoring full service in Russia, but complained about the company's lack of cooperation. The messaging platform has been used by Ukrainian officials and opposition figures in Russia, and Moscow has repeatedly demanded that Telegram block channels it claims are used for terrorist purposes.
It remains unclear what practical effect the international wanted list will have, as Durov is a Russian-born citizen who also holds French citizenship. No comment has been reported from Durov following the listing.
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