Telegram Scandal: Reviewing the List of Scandals Involving Telegram

Telegram, once hailed as a champion of privacy and secure messaging, has found itself at the center of numerous controversies. While the app continues to attract millions of users around the world, it’s also been linked to serious issues—including the spread of illegal content, extremist propaganda, and cybercrime networks. This article breaks down some of the biggest Telegram scandals to date, helping users and crypto enthusiasts better understand the risks and ongoing debates surrounding the platform.

How Telegram Became a Hotspot for Illegal Content and Cybercrime

Telegram’s appeal lies in its encrypted messaging and anonymity—but that’s also what makes it attractive to bad actors. One of the most disturbing examples is South Korea’s Nth Room scandal (2018–2020), where women were blackmailed into creating exploitative videos that were then sold to thousands of Telegram users. Cryptocurrency enabled anonymous payments, making the crime even harder to trace. A related case, known as the Doctor’s Room, involved similar abuses and further fueled outrage.

The problems don’t stop there. Telegram has also been used to share illegal content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Although the platform has used AI tools to block more than 700,000 groups and channels related to CSAM since 2018, the content continues to resurface. Additionally, Telegram has become a marketplace for illegal goods—from drugs and weapons to stolen data and malware.

Extremism, Scams, and Telegram’s Struggles with Moderation

Telegram has also emerged as a favored space for extremist groups and scammers. Hate groups and white supremacist communities use it to coordinate and spread messages, while terrorist organizations exploit the app’s broad reach for propaganda and communication. In 2024, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested in France on charges that included enabling child abuse material distribution, drug trafficking, and failing to curb platform-wide criminal activity.

Scammers are also rampant on Telegram, luring users into sending money, sharing personal data, or downloading harmful files. While Telegram has rolled out AI moderation and blocked over 15 million violating groups in 2024 alone, many illicit channels continue to operate. In Singapore, for example, investigations found dozens of Telegram groups openly selling drugs, counterfeit documents, and sex services—some of which remained active weeks after being reported.

Telegram’s Legal Woes and Global Political Pressure

Globally, governments are ramping up pressure on Telegram. In Russia, the platform was fined $80,000 for refusing to remove extremist content tied to violence and anti-government protests. Durov has refused to acknowledge the fines or the court’s authority, fueling a growing debate over Telegram’s legal responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the European Union is considering tighter regulations through the Digital Services Act to make platforms like Telegram more accountable for illegal activity. Following his arrest, Durov agreed to cooperate with content takedown requests—a notable shift from Telegram’s earlier stance on censorship and compliance.

Also Read: Pavel Durov's Disappointment: How the French Government is Hindering the Growth of Media Privacy

What This Means for Crypto and Digital Communities

For crypto enthusiasts, Telegram has long been a go-to platform for trading insights, airdrops, and community discussions. But its growing reputation as a hub for scams and illegal dealings has raised alarms. Increased surveillance and legal scrutiny are prompting some crypto groups to migrate to platforms like Signal or Discord, seeking safer digital spaces.

Still, Telegram remains a powerful tool in the crypto world. Many channels with millions of subscribers share real-time market news, project updates, and trading strategies. This dual identity—both valuable and vulnerable—highlights the ongoing struggle to balance privacy, freedom, and security.

Telegram’s Attempts at Reform and Safer Use

In response to mounting criticism, Telegram has stepped up its content moderation efforts. The company has paired AI tools with user reporting systems to proactively block millions of illegal channels, especially those promoting violence, child abuse, or drug sales.

Telegram has also updated its FAQ to guide users on reporting illegal activity and pledged to work more closely with law enforcement. However, the platform’s design still makes total control difficult—especially when anonymity is part of its appeal.

Conclusion

Telegram’s journey from privacy-focused messaging app to controversy-ridden platform shows how challenging it is to maintain user freedom while tackling abuse. From the shocking Nth Room case to the spread of extremist propaganda and online scams, the scandals tied to Telegram reflect the complexities of digital communication in today’s world. For users—especially in the crypto space—it’s essential to stay informed, cautious, and aware of the risks when engaging on Telegram.

FAQ

What are some major scandals involving Telegram?
Key cases include South Korea’s Nth Room and Doctor’s Room sexual exploitation rings, widespread child abuse content, cybercrime marketplaces, and extremist propaganda.

Has Telegram taken action against illegal content?
Yes, Telegram uses AI and human moderators to block millions of illegal channels, but enforcement challenges mean many problematic groups still exist.

Why was Pavel Durov arrested?
He was arrested in France on charges related to enabling criminal activity on Telegram, including child abuse content, drug trafficking, and fraud.

How does Telegram impact the crypto community?
While Telegram is widely used for crypto discussions, it also hosts scams and illicit trade, prompting some users to switch to more secure platforms.

Is Telegram safe for privacy-focused users?
Telegram offers encryption, but due to its scandals and legal scrutiny, users should carefully consider both the benefits and risks.