Russia issues international wanted notice for Telegram chief Durov
Telegram messaging app CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov watches the bantamweight bout between Russia's Said Nurmagomedov and US' Mario Bautista at UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25, 2025.(AFP)
Russia announced on July 29 that it issued an international wanted notice for Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov over accusations of "complicity in terrorism."
Russian-born Durov — a serial tech founder who has lived outside Russia for years and holds French and UAE passports — has frequently clashed with the Russian authorities as Moscow has tightened its grip on the internet space.
His Telegram messenger is one of the country's main communications platforms and officials have repeatedly tried to block access or thwart its success in a bid to pressure Durov to hand over user data or push Russians to use an unencrypted state-backed alternative.
