The decision was announced today by the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring), which is responsible for collecting and analyzing financial transaction information to combat crime in Russia.

Individuals and organizations on this list are prohibited from contacting media, posting information on the internet, organizing public events, participating in elections, and cannot use financial services other than paying taxes, receiving salaries, and compensation.

The Telegram owner has not yet commented on the information.

Pavel Durov speaks at the Digital Bridge 2025 event in Astana, Kazakhstan in 10/2025. *Photo: Avesta*

Rosfinmonitoring issued the decision a day after the Federal Security Service (FSB) issued an international arrest warrant for Durov on charges of "abetting terrorist activities."

According to the FSB, the Telegram platform, operated by Durov, failed to remove content "used by Ukrainian special services and terrorist organizations to carry out acts of sabotage, terrorism, massacres, and online fraud in Russia."

Russian officials claim Ukrainian agents approached Russian citizens by impersonating women through the Dayvinchik dating service on Telegram, sending phishing links that led victims to believe they were paying for movie tickets, concerts, or gifts.

Impersonators of Russian law enforcement officers then contacted the victims, stating their money had been transferred to Ukrainian military accounts. Victims were then enticed into activities attacking Russian armed forces and sabotaging energy and communication infrastructure.

Following news of the international arrest warrant, Telegram's account on the social media platform X posted a photo of Durov showing his middle finger, but offered no further comment.

Telegram, an encrypted messaging application launched in 2013, states it has over one billion users and is widely used by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russian officials have repeatedly tried to restrict Telegram's use in recent years.

Durov was born in Russia and holds passports from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France. He founded VKontakte, a social network dubbed "Russia's Facebook," before selling his entire stake in 2014.

French authorities are also investigating Durov over allegations that Telegram has failed to effectively address criminal activities on the platform and has not fully cooperated with law enforcement requests.

Durov has denied all allegations from France. His current whereabouts are unknown.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, RIA Novosti, TASS)