Report states that the application’s encryption makes it difficult for criminals to be detected by authorities
THE UN (United Nations) stated that Telegram facilitates organized crime to carry out illicit activities in “large scale” in Southeast Asia. These include the sale of tools and services related to cyber fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering.
The organization’s analyzes were presented this Monday (7.Oct.2024) in a report produced by UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). Here’s the complete (PDF – 16 MB, in English).
According to the document, Telegram’s encryption and ability to host large groups make the application attractive to criminals looking to communicate, conduct illicit business and target victims without being detected by authorities.
The report states that hacked data such as credit card details, passwords and browser history are openly traded on a large scale on the platform.
It also says that tools used for cybercrime, such as security software, deepfakedesigned for fraud, and malware for data theft, are also widely commercialized. Additionally, unlicensed cryptocurrency brokers use the platform to offer money laundering services.
According to UNODC, Southeast Asia has emerged as a major hub for a multibillion-dollar industry that targets victims around the world with fraudulent schemes. Many of those involved are criminal organizations in China.
“Based on information provided by security agencies in the region, UNODC estimates that organized criminal networks involved in cyber fraud earn US$27.4 billion to US$36.5 billion annually”the office states in the report.
APPLICATION CHANGES
After Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on August 24, Telegram announced changes to combat the use of the app by criminals. They are:
- content moderation in private groups;
- report IP addresses (which identify devices) and phone numbers of users who violate the application’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy;
- creation of a team of moderators, with the help of AI (artificial intelligence), to make the search on Telegram “safer”.
In France, Durov faces 6 charges involving the administration of the application. According to French authorities, the platform allows users to commit crimes, such as disseminating child pornography, drug trafficking and fraud.
The entrepreneur responds to the charges in freedom after paying bail of €5 million (R$30.7 million). He cannot leave the European country while he is being investigated.
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