According to a report issued by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, dated October 7, criminal networks across Southeast Asia are increasingly turning to the messaging platform Telegram for conducting comprehensive illegal activities. It says Telegram, due to big channels and seemingly insufficient moderation, becomes the attraction of the underworld for organised crime and its resultant transformation in the ways of operating global illicit operations.
An Open Market for Stolen Data and Cybercrime Tools
The UNODC report clearly illustrates how Telegram has become a trading platform for hacked personal data, including credit card numbers, passwords, and browser histories. Cybercriminals publicly trade on the large channels of Telegram with very little interference. In addition, it has various software and tools designed to conduct cybercrime such as fraud using deepfake technology and malware used for copying and collecting users' data. Moreover, money laundering services are provided in unauthorised cryptocurrency exchanges through Telegram.
An example was an ad to be placed on Telegram stating that it was moving USDT cryptocurrency, stolen and with $3 million daily transactions, to cash in on criminal organisations involved in transnational organised crime in Southeast Asia. According to reports, these dark markets are growing increasingly omnipresent on Telegram through which vendors aggressively look to reach criminal organisations in the region.
Southeast Asia: A hub of fraud and exploitation
According to the UNODC reports, this region in Southeast Asia has become an important base for international fraudulent operations. Most criminal activities within the region relate to Chinese syndicates located within heavily fortified locations and use trafficked individuals forced into labour. It is estimated that the industry generates between $27.4 billion and $36.5 billion annually.
The move comes as scrutiny of Telegram and its billionaire founder, Russian-born Pavel Durov, is intensifying. Durov is facing legal fallout in France after he was charged with abetting crime on the platform by allowing the distribution of illegal content after he tightened his regulations in France. The case has sparked debates on the liability of tech companies for the crimes happening on their platform, and the line between free speech and legal accountability.
It responded to the increasing pressure by promising cooperation with legal authorities. The head of Telegram, Durov, stated that Telegram will share the IP addresses and phone numbers of users whenever a legal request for them is required. He further promised to cancel some features on the platform that have been widely misused for illicit activities. Currently, more than a billion people worldwide are using Telegram, and it has so far not reacted publicly to the latest report from the UNODC.
A Perfect Fertile Ground for Cybercrime
For example, as personal data becomes more and more exposed to fraudulent exploitation and fraud schemes through Telegram, for instance, the Deputy Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at UNODC highlighted the perils of the consumer getting to see. In this respect, Benedikt Hofmann, free access and anonymity developed an ideal setting for criminals towards the people's data and safety.
Innovation in Criminal Networks
The growth in Southeast Asia's organised crime to higher levels may indicate criminals will be armed with new, more varying technologies-most importantly malware, generative AI tools, and deepfakes-to commit sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud. In relation to innovation and adaptability, investigation by UNODC revealed over 10 specialised service providers in the region offering deep fakes technology for use in cybercrime cases.
Expanding Investigations Across Asia
Another area of concern discussed in the UNODC report is the increasing investigation by law enforcement agencies in other parts of Asia. For example, South Korean authorities are screening Telegram for its role in the commission of cybercrimes that include deepfake pornography. Meanwhile, in India, a hacker used Telegram chatbots to leak private data from Star Health, one of the country's largest insurers. This incident disclosed medical records, IDs, and even tax details. Star Health sued Telegram.
A Turning Point in Cybersecurity
The UNODC report opens one's eyes to the extent the challenge encrypted messaging presents toward the fight against organised crime. Thus, while criminal groups will continue and take full advantage of platforms like Telegram, tech companies remain on their toes about enforcing control measures over illegal activity while trying to balance concerns to address user privacy and safety.