Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Pavel Durov, the 41-year-old founder of Telegram, with supporting terrorism and placed him on an international wanted list, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on the 29th (local time).

According to the report, the FSB stated in a statement that day that "Durov has been charged in an ongoing criminal case under Article 205, Paragraph 1 of the Russian Criminal Code (assisting terrorist activities) and an arrest warrant has been issued."

Durov is of Russian origin and is known to hold multiple citizenships.

He is currently reported to be staying abroad.

The FSB claimed that Telegram failed to delete channels and chat rooms used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies to prepare for sabotage, terrorism, mass murder, and cyber fraud within Russia.

The FSB also announced that earlier this month, it arrested 46 young Russian citizens among users of the Telegram dating service "LeoMatch" across 16 regions of Russia.

They are accused of attacking law enforcement agencies or committing arson at various facilities under the instructions of Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)