Russia Probes Telegram's Durov, Citing Terror Facilitation
Drawing on materials provided by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), state daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported that recorded crimes involving Telegram have surpassed 153,000 since 2022. Of those, some 33,000 were classified as sabotage-related, terrorist, or extremist offenses, encompassing organized explosions, arson attacks on military enlistment offices, and murders.
The FSB claimed credit for neutralizing a significant number of plots before they materialized. "Thanks to the work of Russia's FSB, it was possible to prevent 475 terrorist attacks which were prepared through Telegram," the daily said. Among the foiled incidents were reportedly 61 planned mass shootings at schools, allegedly organized by teenagers.
The publication further alleged that the March 2024 terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow Oblast — one of Russia's deadliest in recent years — was coordinated via the app.
High-profile killings were also attributed to intelligence gathered through the platform. "The victims of digital permissiveness were Russian citizens, bloggers, and journalists, including Darya Dugina and Maxim Fomin, as well as nine high-ranking military officials, including Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov. The enemy, using Telegram analytics, collected data about their relatives, travel routes, and daily routines," it said.
The report additionally noted approximately 700 recorded threats targeting family members of Russian military personnel.
Compounding the legal pressure on Durov, state media regulator Roskomnadzor has reportedly submitted more than 150,000 formal content removal requests to Telegram's team over recent years — all of which, the report claimed, were left unanswered.
Durov, who left Russia years ago and holds multiple citizenships, has previously faced legal scrutiny in France. Telegram has not issued an immediate response to the latest Russian allegations.
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