Criminal syndicates are increasingly using Telegram to organize illegal gambling operations across Southern Asia. Authorities say encrypted groups facilitate recruitment payment processing and communication for transnational fraud rings.
In Bangladesh and India Telegram channels promote exclusive betting groups with VIP perks. Users are required to pay to join and are then given links to unlicensed gambling sites. Payment is handled through UPI wallets and cryptocurrency, making detection difficult.
Some Telegram channels boast thousands of members, including digital marketers, programmers, and call center agents working from Pakistan and the UAE. These networks operate like companies, with structured tasks and monthly bonuses for recruiters.
Law enforcement agencies are now collaborating across borders to monitor suspicious activity on encrypted platforms. But officials admit that tracking payments and identifying admins remains a serious challenge due to strong privacy protections.
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