A study from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that Telegram, a widely used messaging app, is heavily utilized by major criminal groups in Southeast Asia for illegal activities on a large scale.
The study discovered that stolen data, such as credit card information and passwords, is openly sold on Telegram. Additionally, tools for cybercrime and money laundering services are easily accessible.
Southeast Asia has become a significant center for a multibillion-dollar industry that deceives people worldwide, earning between $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion each year.
These findings from the UN report come as Telegram faces increasing scrutiny for its role in aiding criminal activities. Pavel Durov, Telegram’s CEO, was arrested in Paris in August and charged with permitting criminal activities on the platform.
This investigation has led to discussions about the responsibility of app providers for criminal actions and the balance between freedom of speech and law enforcement.
Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC’s deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said that Telegram, a messaging app, doesn’t verify information accurately. This makes it easier for bad people to do illegal things.
Hofmann added that people’s information is more likely to be used in scams or other bad activities now. In South Korea, the police are looking into whether Telegram is involved in online crimes involving sex.
