SE Asia Crime Networks Rely on Telegram, Crypto, UN Says
The encrypted messaging app Telegram is used extensively by powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia involved in online scam operations plundering billions from victims worldwide.
The crime gangs mostly use crypto – notably USDT, a ‘stablecoin’ launched by Tether – when doing international deals and laundering the proceeds of large-scale illegal activity. Deepfake video, audio and pictorial services are another troubling new ‘weapon’ being utilised by some of these modern-day crime hubs.
The UNODC report says extensive use of Telegram has enabled a fundamental change in the how crime gangs now operate.
It has some of the latest allegations to be levied against the controversial encrypted app since France, using a tough new…
