Russia Charges Pavel Durov With Terrorism, Escalating Telegram Crackdown

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has formally charged Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, with facilitating terrorist activity and placed him on an international wanted list, a direct escalation of a criminal case that first surfaced in February 2026.

The move adds a second major legal front for Durov, who simultaneously faces an ongoing criminal investigation in France. There has been no statement from the Telegram founder at the time of writing.

GRAM (formerly TON), the native token of Telegram, dropped by almost -2.5% on news of Russia’s terrorism charges against Durov. It is currently trading for $1.41.

RUSSIA CHARGES TELEGRAM FOUNDER PAVEL DUROV WITH AIDING TERRORISM, DUROV RESPONDS WITH MIDDLE FINGER Russia’s FSB has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism and placed him on an international wanted list, accusing the platform of failing to remove channels… https://t.co/qh4KyHCy4A — Bitcoin News (@BitcoinNewsCom) July 29, 2026 What are Russia’s Allegations Against Pavel Durov?