Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram, is set to be placed on an international wanted list by the FSB, facing allegations of facilitating terrorist activities. The agency claims that Telegram is not adequately removing channels, chats, and bots that are utilized in terrorist operations within Russia. The legal ramifications for Durov could range from eight years to life in prison. Authorities may initiate his arrest in absentia to expedite his extradition to Russia; however, Durov is not expected to appear in a Russian courtroom personally. As a citizen of France and the UAE, both of which do not extradite their nationals, his return to Russia seems improbable. In August 2024, Durov was apprehended at Le Bourget airport in Paris due to multiple charges linked to Telegram, including his refusal to comply with requests for data from law enforcement. Two years later, the investigations are still ongoing, but Durov's legal team asserts that no substantial evidence has been uncovered. Recently, on July 27, the Kremlin mentioned having "contacts" regarding the potential unblocking of Telegram in Russia, yet no advancements have been made.
Informational material. 18+.
