Telegram’s Organised Crime Problem, UN Says
The messaging platform Telegram is being increasingly exploited by organised crime groups in Southeast Asia, according to a new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Released Oct. 7, the report details how criminal syndicates are using Telegram and other under-regulated platforms to launder billions in criminal proceeds.
Some of these underregulated platforms involve VASPs, which are now increasingly being exploited by organized crime groups as a means of avoiding oversight in light of moving really huge money values across illicitly. According to estimations by UNODC, scams in East and Southeast Asia alone have generated around $18 billion to $37 billion in 2023.
Crypto Adoption Fuels the Problem
Besides this, there is growing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Central and Southern Asia, as well as Oceania. According to Chainalysis’ 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index, 7 of the top 20 countries driving crypto adoption are located in those regions. The more mainstream crypto becomes globally, the easier it is for criminals to take advantage of the technology.
These are the threats that need to be tackled now, according to Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “Organized crime groups are converging and exploiting vulnerabilities…It is more critical than ever for Governments to acknowledge the severity, scale, and reach of this truly global threat,” he said.
Legal Issues of Pavel Durov
Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, meanwhile faces increasing legal challenges. On 24 August, he was detained in France, charged with failure to take effective action against criminal behavior on his platform. While Durov rejects the “lawless paradise” description of Telegram, he himself has acknowledged in a 5 September statement that the platform harbors ill-intentioned users.
Durov promised to fix it, blaming the rapid growth of his company-950 million users of Telegram-for making it a lot easier for criminals to misuse the platform. He expressed commitment to their fixing and bringing better security measures to Telegram.
Durov’s arrest has generated a fresh debate on free speech versus regulation; famous figures, including Elon Musk, have called for his release. Durov is currently out on bail and might face as many as 10 years in prison, in addition to a heavy fine.
