Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, revealed on Wednesday a dramatic new development in his strained relationship with Russian authorities, announcing that the government sent an official subpoena to an apartment where he lived 20 years ago in Russia. The subpoena formally and definitively named him as a “suspect” in a criminal case whose precise details have not been disclosed. This sudden development represents a new and dangerous escalation in the Kremlin’s ongoing campaign against the global messaging platform and its creator, highlighting the growing conflict between major tech companies and regimes seeking strict control over the flow of information.
This development reflects more than just a fleeting legal dispute; it stands out as a new chapter in a series of continuous tensions reflecting government attempts to subjugate independent platforms. Telegram, which prides itself on providing robust encryption and protecting user data, is one of the few applications standing up to censorship efforts, making it a persistent target for Russian authorities and other nations seeking total control over the digital space and the tracking of political dissidents.
“Proud to be guilty”
In a post on the X platform, the tech entrepreneur shared details of the situation, stating: “The apartment where I lived in Russia 20 years ago received a subpoena addressed to ‘(Suspect) P. V. Durov’.” Although he did not specify exactly which government agency issued the subpoena or the nature of the criminal case it involves, he responded with clear defiance and mockery toward the authorities. He added in his post: “They must suspect me of defending Articles 29 and 23 of the Russian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to the privacy of private correspondence. I’m proud to be guilty!”
Adhering to these two articles reflects Durov’s deep vision of technology’s role in protecting fundamental human rights, which explains his widespread popularity among privacy advocates. Notably, Durov lived in St. Petersburg two decades ago before making the decisive decision to leave Russia for Dubai in 2014. His departure came after he flatly refused Kremlin demands to shut down opposition groups and political pages on VK, the massively popular Russian social network he co-founded. According to reports published by Radio Free Europe, Russian law enforcement authorities had not previously officially confirmed that Durov held suspect status in any criminal case.
The Kremlin’s campaign against Telegram
This criminal subpoena caps months of mounting and intense pressure from Moscow against the app and its founder. In February, the state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta and the tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda published simultaneous articles based on leaked materials and information from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). These articles claimed that Durov was undergoing a thorough investigation for “assisting terrorist activities” under Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code.
Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the accuracy of those reports, noting that the articles were indeed based on research and investigations conducted by the FSB. Peskov added that the government agency had documented a “large number of violations” committed by the Telegram platform, paving the way for strict legal action against the platform and its founder under the guise of protecting national security and combating illegal activities.
Choking access and technical fallout
Russia began executing a systematic plan to choke access to the Telegram app in the summer of 2025, and these measures escalated to a near-total ban by April 10. This strict ban resulted in a staggering 95 percent failure rate for users attempting to connect to the platform without using virtual private networks (VPNs).
However, this crackdown sparked widespread backlash. Durov stated that tens of millions of Russian citizens resorted to using VPNs to bypass government internet restrictions. Strikingly, Russia’s own attempts to ban VPN services caused a major technical crisis, leading to widespread failures in the Russian banking system in early April. This technical glitch disrupted electronic payment operations in the Moscow metro and other vital daily services, demonstrating the complexity of attempting to control the digital space.
Legal battles on two fronts
The legal risks facing Durov are not limited to his homeland of Russia. In August 2024, French authorities arrested him at Le Bourget Airport near the capital, Paris. Authorities charged him with 12 serious offenses, including complicity in distributing child sexual exploitation material, along with other charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.
The Telegram founder was later released on a hefty bail of 5 million euros, with a ban on leaving French territory. However, the travel ban against him was lifted in November 2025. Nonetheless, the French criminal investigation remains active and ongoing. Durov recently stated that he still faces “more than a dozen charges, each carrying a prison sentence of up to 10 years.” At the same time, the looming Russian terrorism charge—which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison—places the entrepreneur in the crosshairs of unprecedented judicial scrutiny on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pavel Durov receive a subpoena from Russian authorities?
Durov received a subpoena to an apartment he lived in 20 years ago in Russia, where he was designated as a “suspect” in a criminal case. Reports indicate he is accused of “assisting terrorist activities” due to his defense of freedom of expression and his refusal to hand over Telegram user data and comply with ongoing censorship demands.
What criminal charges does the Telegram founder face in France?
Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 and faced 12 charges including complicity in distributing illegal material and drug trafficking. Although his travel ban was lifted in November 2025, he still faces potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison for each charge under investigation.
When did the blocking of the Telegram app begin in Russia, and what were the results?
Russia began choking access to the app in the summer of 2025 and imposed a near-total ban by April 10. This led millions to turn to VPNs, while attempts to block those VPNs disrupted the Russian banking system and payment services in the Moscow metro.
