Russia has opened a terrorism-related criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, state media reported.
Authorities said the probe focuses on claims that the messaging platform may have supported terrorist activity. The case is being handled by security officials under a criminal law that allows a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
State newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta said the investigation is based on materials from the Federal Security Service. The report described Telegram as a possible “tool for hybrid threats” and alleged it could be used for security risks.
Pro-government publication Komsomolskaya Pravda made similar claims, saying the platform had been linked to sabotage, terrorism and political destabilisation efforts involving Ukraine and NATO-related actors.
The FSB also said Telegram had refused requests to provide encryption access needed to monitor communications linked to suspected criminals.
Telegram has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. The company has repeatedly denied accusations that it supports terrorism or shares user data with foreign intelligence agencies.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said authorities had recorded repeated compliance failures by the platform.
“A large number of violations and the unwillingness of Telegram’s administration to cooperate with our authorities have been recorded,” Peskov said.
Russia’s digital crackdown on communication platforms is not limited to Telegram.
In November, authorities warned they could ban WhatsApp if the messaging service failed to follow Russian regulations.
Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing to remove opposition content from the social network he founded. He now resides in the United Arab Emirates and holds French and UAE citizenship.
Earlier, he said pressure on Telegram was aimed at forcing users onto surveillance-focused platforms.
“Russia is restricting access to Telegram to push citizens toward a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship,” Durov said. “This move will not change our direction.”
Telegram remains widely used across Russia by officials, bloggers, activists and civilians, while the Kremlin says the investigation is legally justified and tied to national security concerns.