[Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Under Criminal Investigation in Russia for Alleged Assistance in Terrorist Activities] According to a report by Jinse Finance, multiple Russian media outlets, citing the country’s Federal Security Service, have stated that Telegram founder Pavel Durov is under criminal investigation for alleged assistance in terrorist activities under Article 205.1, Section 1.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (assistance in terrorist activities). The investigation involves the dissemination of illegal content, accusing platform administrators of ignoring requests from Russian communication regulators to remove banned channels and chats. Additionally, Telegram has been used for criminal activities and the distribution of materials from extremist and terrorist organizations. In the summer of 2025, Russian communication regulators began restricting the service, citing an increase in fraudulent activities. In February 2026, they intensified "traffic-limiting" measures, claiming the platform failed to comply with Russian laws. At the time, Durov responded by stating that "Telegram defends freedom of speech and privacy."