UN reports say Southeast Asian crime networks are thriving on Telegram

Powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia are making extensive use of the messaging app Telegram, which has fundamentally changed the way organized crime can carry out large-scale illegal activities, according to a United Nations report on Monday.

The report represents the latest allegations made against the controversial encrypted app since France accused Telegram boss Pavel Durov of allowing criminal activity on the platform under a tough new law with no international equivalent.

Hacked data, including credit card details, passwords and browsing history, is widely traded openly through the app, which has widespread channels with little moderation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report said.