They cost pennies and tip your favorite creators. In Russia, sending Telegram “Stars” to the wrong channel is now being treated as treason.

Russia has begun opening treason cases (Article 275 of the Criminal Code) over the use of paid reactions on Telegram, the Telegram channel Tyuremny advokat (“Prison Lawyer”) reported, calling them the first such cases in Russia’s courts. The channel gave no further details.

Previously, such cases were charged under the statute on facilitating terrorist activity. Like treason, that offense carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Mediazona clarifies that the cases in the Tyuremny advokat post involve “Stars” — the virtual currency Telegram Stars — sent to channels belonging to the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations in Russia.

The outlet adds that proceedings in one of the treason cases over “Stars” began in 2026, though the donation itself was made in 2025.

Telegram’s in-app currency, Telegram Stars, launched in June 2024. It can be used to pay for digital products in the app, send gifts, or support content creators. Stars can be exchanged for the cryptocurrency Toncoin.

Since at least February 2026, Russia has been opening criminal cases against people who awarded “Stars” on posts by organizations declared illegal in the country. All those detained were suspected of financing terrorism.