Russian authorities have charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and issued an international arrest warrant for him. The move escalates a criminal case against the messaging service executive.

The Federal Security Service alleged that Telegram did not remove channels, chats and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence services, terrorist groups and extremist organisations to coordinate attacks, recruit operatives and carry out cyber fraud.

The action builds on a criminal investigation opened earlier this year. In February, Durov acknowledged the case and said Russian officials were creating pretexts to limit access to the platform and curb privacy and free speech rights.

A separate criminal inquiry continues in France over alleged illegal activity on Telegram. French authorities lifted travel restrictions earlier this year, permitting Durov to leave the country.