As the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, delves into the workings of Telegram, a popular messaging platform, concerns over its ability to prevent illegal incitement are rising. The move comes in the wake of a high-profile case involving Roman Lavrynovych, 22, who was convicted of conspiring to commit arson targeting Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's properties, with instructions coming from an individual linked to Russia via Telegram.
Lavrynovych and co-defendant Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, are set for sentencing following the conviction in May 2025. The court heard that Lavrynovych was recruited by 'El Money' or 'Hroshi', a mysterious figure known to communicate in Russian and Ukrainian on Telegram, who offered £3,000 in cryptocurrency to commit the arsons, film them, and secure media attention.
Police uncovered over 320 messages between Lavrynovych and 'El Money' on Telegram, dating back to September 2024. The anonymous handler reportedly instructed Lavrynovych to leave the UK after the attacks, acknowledging the high-profile nature of the target.
The Online Safety Act places significant responsibilities on social media companies, including Telegram, to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement measures aimed at preventing British users from being exposed to illegal content. This legislation empowers these platforms to determine whether their content violates British law, with Ofcom ensuring they have adequate measures in place to fulfil these obligations.
Founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov and operating from Dubai, Telegram has a complex history with its former user base in Russia, where it is now largely blocked. However, it remains popular in Ukraine, albeit with military and government officials banned from using it on work devices due to concerns over potential Russian spying and disinformation.
Ofcom's request for comment from Telegram remains unanswered as the regulator conducts this informal 'pre-investigation', which follows a previous probe into Telegram's efforts to combat child sexual abuse material sharing, an accusation Telegram refuted citing advanced detection algorithms.