A UN report highlights how Telegram is facilitating organized crime and cyber fraud in Southeast Asia, with criminal networks using the platform to trade stolen data, sell malware, and exploit deepfake software for cyber schemes.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released a new report on cybercrime in Southeast Asia. This is the agency’s second report on the topic. The UNODC published its first report on Southeast Asia in January and criticized Tether’s role in the region’s economy.

UN report says most of estimated $18 billion to $37 billion lost to cyber scam syndicates last year across East and Southeast Asia were stolen by groups based in countries of lower Mekong River

Cyber crime syndicates accumulated up to $37 billion last year and are increasing their activities in Southeast Asia. Despite law enforcement efforts, these groups are expanding operations using new technologies and business models.

Southeast Asia has become a hotbed for cyber crime syndicates who have swiped as much as $37 billion last year through romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling,