Russia has declared Telegram founder Pavel Durov a wanted criminal, accusing him of aiding terrorism and placing him on an international wanted list, according to reports.
The move follows allegations that Telegram did not remove channels and chats that Russia claims were being used to plan sabotage, terrorist acts, mass killings and online fraud. Russian authorities also alleged that Ukrainian intelligence-linked and terrorist groups were actively using such content on the platform.
Durov has already left Russia and is currently in France, the report said. A warrant has been issued and the case has been brought under a criminal investigation.
Telegram remains one of Russia’s most popular messaging apps, even as the country continues to tighten control over the platform. Earlier this year, Durov had said Russian authorities had opened a criminal probe against him and were citing false reasons to bring Telegram under control.
