Rosfinmonitoring (Federal Financial Monitoring Service of the Russian Federation) has added Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, to its register of individuals and entities suspected of involvement in extremist activity or terrorism, according to an update published Thursday, July 30.
Under Russian law, banks are required to freeze the funds of those listed and suspend their financial services. Inclusion in the register can be based on an investigator’s decision to formally charge an individual under relevant criminal statutes. As a result, Durov’s bank accounts and assets in Russia could be blocked, and his financial operations significantly restricted.
Earlier this week, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said Durov had been charged with aiding terrorist activity, alleging that Telegram’s administration failed to remove channels and bots used to coordinate attacks and acts of sabotage within Russia.
The security agency added that Durov has been placed on an international wanted list.
Separately, Roskomnadzor said on February 10 that Telegram continues to violate Russian legal requirements. Restrictions on the service, first imposed in August last year, will remain in place "in order to achieve compliance with Russian legislation and ensure the protection of citizens".
By Tamilla Hasanova
