A report from the United Nations indicates an increase in cybercrime in Southeast Asia, with Telegram identified as a key tool for criminals.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime continues its series on organized crime in Southeast Asia, now turning its focus to Telegram’s involvement.
Recently, UNODC released another analysis of cybercrime in the region, marking its second report on this issue.
In January, their inaugural report was published, examining Tether’s influence on the Southeast Asian economic landscape. The latest release continues to track the “convergence of cyber-enabled fraud, underground banking, and transnational organized crime.”
While Tether is mentioned, Telegram is subjected to significantly harsher scrutiny. In 2023, cyber-enabled fraud in Southeast Asia increased, resulting in losses estimated between $18 billion and $37 billion. Most of these losses are attributed to organized crime, according to the report.
This vast scale indicates the growing professionalization of such activities.
“Criminals are no longer required to handle their own money laundering, coding malware, or stealing sensitive personal information […] Instead, these key components can be purchased from service providers in underground markets and forums, often at very accessible prices.”
Furthermore, “There is strong evidence of underground data markets moving to Telegram,” the report continued.
Among these markets, bad actors access private data through underground cloud log services, along with infostealers, crypto clippers, drainers, deepfakes, and more.
The UNODC did not exempt Tether from criticism in the report. It said:
“Authorities in East and Southeast Asia […] continue to report that stablecoins, and particularly Tether (USDT) on the TRON (TRX) blockchain, represent the preferred choice for Asian crime syndicates engaged in cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering operations.”
For Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the release of the UNODC report coincides with a difficult period, as French authorities arrested him on August 24 for charges linked to Telegram-related activities.
At the moment, French authorities have granted him freedom on bail.
Durov faces charges in France for complicity in illegal activities, refusing to cooperate with authorities, money laundering, being part of a criminal association, and delivering cryptology services without prior declaration.
French prosecutors state that Durov may receive a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros ($550,000).
