A recent report by the United Nations has revealed that Telegram is increasingly being used by criminal networks in Southeast Asia. The platform is said to facilitate money laundering, fraud, and the sharing of stolen information. The UN’s findings suggest that organized crime is thriving on Telegram, taking advantage of its features for illegal activities.
Telegram’s Role in Criminal Activity
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), these criminal activities generate annual revenues ranging from $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion. The report elaborates on how Telegram is transforming organized crime, allowing groups to operate with minimal oversight.
Criminals are leveraging the platform to sell malware and deepfake technology, which contributes to committing fraud through the exchange of sensitive data such as passwords and credit card information. Remarkably, one advertisement boasted about the transfer of $3 million worth of stolen cryptocurrency each day.
The rise of unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges on Telegram is exacerbating the situation. These platforms enable criminals to move illicit funds easily, with Tether (USDT) identified by the UNODC as the primary stablecoin used for these transactions.
Pavel Durov’s Arrest
The situation escalated when Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, was arrested in Paris in August. He faces significant allegations including facilitating drug trafficking and the exploitation of children.
Durov has stated that while the company aims to enhance user privacy, it also respects the need to comply with legal requests from authorities. His arrest has sparked conversations about how technology companies should monitor illegal activities occurring on their platforms, as finding a balance between user privacy and safety remains a contentious issue.
Wider Implications
The implications of the UN’s findings are far-reaching. Benedikt Hofmann, deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at UNODC, remarked that Telegram provides a conducive environment for criminal activities. This situation elevates the risk for consumers, making their data more susceptible to fraud and other illegal acts.
Crucially, the report emphasizes that the financial gains made by these criminal organizations drive them to innovate continuously. They are increasingly utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfake capabilities in their operations, complicating tracking efforts. More than ten deepfake software providers have been identified as specifically supporting criminal networks involved in cyber fraud.
Featured image from Protos, chart from TradingView
