Spotlight on Crypto-Gambling Sites Following Telegram Founder Arrest

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Published on :

4 September, 2024

Though the promotion of child porn and illicit drugs seem to be center stage in the French investigation of Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, revelations have since surfaced that the app is widely used by crypto casino companies as well.

In some countries - specifically Indonesia and South Korea - the gambling activities on Telegram appear to be taking on more precedence.

Case Against Telegram Founder

Preliminary charges allege criminal activity on his messaging app and barred him from leaving France pending further investigation.

Allegations against Durov, who is also a French citizen, include that his platform is being used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking.

Both free-speech advocates and authoritarian governments have spoken in Durov’s defense since his weekend arrest. The case has also called attention to the challenges of policing illegal activity online, and to the Russia-born Durov’s own unusual biography and multiple passports.

Betting markets related to Telegram and Durov began popping up on the Polymarket platform, four specifically.

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Possible Telegram Ban in South Korea and Indonesia

Concerns over gambling in Indonesia come as little surprise but South Korea considering a ban of Telegram specifically as a result of the gambling promotion is certainly something that might raise some eyebrows.

South Korea authorities are already probing Telegram over so-called "deep fakes".

South Korean authorities plan to collaborate with French investigators and international bodies. So far, police have reported 88 cases of deepfake sex crimes, with 24 suspects identified.

Indonesia appears more focused on an outright ban of the platform due to lack of moderation.

For now, at least, the promotion of crypto gambling on the platform is playing second - maybe even third - fiddle to the other criminal activities Telegram is accused of promoting.

We should also note that Telegram, unlike some platforms, strictly prohibits gambling advertisements.