Telegram enables ‘underground markets’ for SEA gangs


Karnataka News


The United Nations reported on Monday that powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia heavily rely on the messaging app Telegram. This has significantly transformed how organized crime operates and carries out large-scale illegal activities.

The report is the latest accusation against the controversial encrypted app after France charged its owner, Pavel Durov, for permitting criminal activity on the platform, using a strict new law that has no international equivalent.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) claims that hacked information, such as credit card details, passwords, and browsing history, is widely traded on the app. These transactions occur in extensive channels that have minimal oversight.

The report states that tools for cybercrime, such as deepfake software intended for fraud and data-stealing malware, are commonly sold. Additionally, unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges provide services for money laundering.

“We move 3 million USDT stolen from overseas per day,”The report cited an advertisement that was written in Chinese.

There is “strong evidence of underground data markets moving to Telegram and vendors actively looking to target transnational organized crime groups based in Southeast Asia,” as per report.

Southeast Asia has become a key center for a multibillion-dollar industry that scams victims worldwide. Many of these operations are run by Chinese syndicates working from secure compounds, often with trafficked workers. According to the UNODC, this industry generates between $27.4 billion and $36.5 billion each year.

Durov, who was born in Russia, was arrested in Paris in August and charged with permitting criminal activities on the platform, including the distribution of child sexual abuse images. This event has led to inquiries on the legal responsibilities of app providers and sparked discussions about the balance between freedom of speech and law enforcement.

Telegram, which has nearly 1 billion users, did not respond right away to a request for comment.

Durov’s Response to Arrest: Enhancing Security and Compliance on Telegram

After his arrest, Durov, who is currently out on bail, made a significant announcement regarding the app’s policies and practices. He stated that the platform would comply with legal requests from authorities by providing users’ IP addresses and phone numbers. This move reflects the app’s willingness to collaborate with law enforcement organizations to try and address the rising concerns about criminal activity occurring on the platform. Durov also indicated that the app would take proactive steps to enhance security by removing specific features that had been exploited for illegal activities. These changes aim to foster a safer environment for users while balancing the need for privacy and compliance with legal obligations.

Benedikt Hofmann, the UNODC’s deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, stated that the app offers a user-friendly environment for criminals.

“For consumers, this means their data is at a higher risk of being fed into scams or other criminal activity than ever before,” he told Reuters.

The report noted that the vast profits generated by criminal groups in the region have compelled them to innovate. It highlighted that these groups have adopted new business models and technologies, including malware, generative artificial intelligence, and deepfake technology, to enhance their operations.

UNODC reported that it had identified over ten deepfake software service providers “specifically targeting criminal groups involved in cyber-enabled fraud in Southeast Asia.”

In other parts of Asia, police in South Korea, which is believed to be the country most affected by deepfake pornography, have reportedly initiated an investigation into Telegram to determine if it facilitates online sex crimes.

Last month, Reuters reported that a hacker utilized chatbots on Telegram to leak data from Star Health, a leading Indian insurer, leading the company to file a lawsuit against the platform.

By using the chatbots, Reuters was able to download policy and claims documents that included names, phone numbers, addresses, tax information, copies of ID cards, test results, and medical diagnoses.

Don’t Miss Out! Click Here for Exciting Tech News!

Related Posts

  • Redefining Talent Acquisition: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

    Redefining Talent Acquisition: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

  • Kindle Temporarily Unavailable on Amazon India Website, Company Says It’s a Temporary Issue

    Kindle Temporarily Unavailable on Amazon India Website, Company Says It’s a Temporary Issue

  • Reimagining Science Education: How Innovation is Creating Tomorrow’s Classrooms

    Reimagining Science Education: How Innovation is Creating Tomorrow’s Classrooms

  • How the Next-Gen Akashteer System Will Safeguard Indian Skies from Modern Threats

    How the Next-Gen Akashteer System Will Safeguard Indian Skies from Modern Threats

  • Transforming Indian Agriculture: How Israeli Technology is Revolutionizing Farming in Tamil Nadu

    Transforming Indian Agriculture: How Israeli Technology is Revolutionizing Farming in Tamil Nadu

  • Empowering India’s Future: AI and Robotics Ignite a New Technological Era 

    Empowering India’s Future: AI and Robotics Ignite a New Technological Era 

  • Check out the features, availability, and pricing of Reliance’s Jio Bharat V3 and V4 4G feature phones

    Check out the features, availability, and pricing of Reliance’s Jio Bharat V3 and V4 4G feature phones

  • TikTok knew kids faced risks—lawsuit reveals the truth!

    TikTok knew kids faced risks—lawsuit reveals the truth!

  • Smartphone sales fell, but value topped $3.2 billion

    Smartphone sales fell, but value topped $3.2 billion

  • U.S. plan to break Google’s search dominance risks profits

    U.S. plan to break Google’s search dominance risks profits

More Links To Check!

punjab news paid ads
punjab news paid ads