Cryptocurrency operations in Telegram under threat: the status of a "terrorist resource" could hit Gram Wallet
Russian authorities are seriously considering the scenario of recognizing Telegram as a terrorist resource. This step, according to several experts, looks increasingly likely against the backdrop of recent events. If the messenger ends up on one of the anti-terrorist lists, it would outlaw not only correspondence but also the entire cryptocurrency infrastructure within the platform, including the recently announced Gram Wallet.
The trigger for the escalation was a criminal case opened by the FSB against Telegram founder Pavel Durov on July 29. The agency accuses him under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment. The formal basis was Telegram's refusal to delete channels, chats, and bots used to prepare sabotage and terrorist acts. According to law enforcement data, since 2022, over 153,000 crimes have been committed through the platform, 33,000 of which have a sabotage-terrorist nature, and 475 terrorist attacks have been prevented.
Crypto Wallet Under Threat
Notably, just a week before these charges, on July 21, Pavel Durov announced the launch of the built-in Gram Wallet for all Telegram applications. The service was supposed to appear in the summer. Now, its fate, as well as the fate of dozens of third-party crypto bots and mini-apps operating within the messenger, is under serious threat.
If Telegram is recognized as a terrorist resource, any cryptocurrency operations within it—from a simple transfer to using decentralized applications—could be deemed illegal. Russian companies servicing these transactions risk losing their licenses or facing criminal prosecution. For millions of users accustomed to the convenience of cryptocurrency bots in Telegram, this would come as a shock.
The market has already reacted: on July 29, the Gram (GRAM) token rate briefly dropped from $1.44 to $1.39, before partially recovering to $1.42. Market capitalization fell to $3.89 billion, and daily trading volume surged by more than 58%, clearly indicating panic and speculative sentiment.
Expert opinion: The scenario of recognizing Telegram as a terrorist resource is not just a legal formality. It is a direct blow to the entire concept of decentralized finance (DeFi) in the region. If the authorities take this step, we will witness a massive exodus of the crypto community from Telegram to more private and less regulated alternatives, or a complete move into the shadows. The market should prepare for increased volatility of tokens associated with the messenger's ecosystem.