Telegram's Role in Southeast Asian Crime Networks Highlighted by UN Report

According to PANews, a recent United Nations report has identified Telegram as a haven for criminal networks in Southeast Asia, facilitating the laundering of stolen funds, trading of hacked data, and acquisition of fraudulent tools using cryptocurrency. The report highlights that end-to-end encrypted applications have fundamentally altered the operations of organized crime. The UN estimates that Southeast Asian crime groups generate annual profits ranging from $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion. The report also notes that unauthorized cryptocurrency exchanges are advertising money laundering services on the platform. One advertisement discovered by the UN claimed, 'We transfer $3 million stolen from overseas daily.' Criminal networks are using Telegram to trade stolen sensitive information, including credit data and passwords, and to purchase malware designed to steal funds. Additionally, at least ten providers of deepfake software were found to be promoting their services to criminals.