Russia seeks arrest of Telegram founder Durov on terrorism charges

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Russia announced on Wednesday that it is seeking the arrest of Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram, on charges of aiding terrorism. Russian authorities allege that Durov allowed the platform to be used in communications by terrorist organizations. Telegram has been banned in Russia since 2014 on the grounds that the company refused to cooperate with Russian authorities. Durov left Russia that year and relocated Telegram's headquarters to Dubai, where the company continues to operate. In 2017, he obtained citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis and renounced his Russian passport. Russia's Federal Security Service has issued an international red notice for Durov, according to the announcement. Durov, who currently resides in the United Arab Emirates, holds citizenship of France and Russia in addition to Saint Kitts and Nevis. No further details on the extradition request were immediately available.