18th July 2025, Kathmandu
The Government of Nepal has officially initiated a process to potentially ban the popular messaging platform, Telegram. This significant move comes amidst mounting concerns that the app is being widely used for illicit activities, including fraud, money laundering, and other criminal enterprises within the country.
Nepal Cracks Down on Telegram
Government Takes Action Against Telegram
The National Coordination Committee for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities, operating under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), is spearheading this action. A formal letter has been dispatched to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT), instructing them to commence proceedings for regulatory action against Telegram.
Gajendra Kumar Thakur, spokesperson for the MoCIT, confirmed the receipt of the letter on Thursday. While clarifying that the letter does not demand an immediate shutdown, it specifically requests clarification on Telegram’s alleged involvement in money laundering. Thakur stated that the ministry will consult with key agencies, including the Department of Money Laundering Investigation and Nepal Police, before reaching a final decision. This consultation process could lead to further decisions as early as Sunday.
Rising Criminality and Telegram’s Role
Concerns about Telegram’s misuse have been escalating. During a recent meeting of the coordination committee, Inspector General of Nepal Police, Deepak Thapa, provided a briefing on the alarming increase in scams and criminal activities linked to Telegram, emphasizing its connection to money laundering operations.
The coordination committee, a high-level body, is chaired by the Secretary of the OPMCM and includes secretaries from various ministries (Finance, Law, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs), along with representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), the Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. This composition underscores the gravity and multi-faceted nature of the issue.
Global and Local Precedents Fuel Concerns
Nepal’s move aligns with growing international scrutiny of Telegram. In a notable incident in September 2024 (Bhadra 2081), Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France on allegations of facilitating illegal transactions, drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Although later released on bail, this event ignited global discussions on regulating messaging apps like Telegram.
Locally, Telegram’s alleged involvement in the infamous F1Soft system hacking in December 2024 (Poush 2081) further exacerbated concerns. This incident resulted in the theft of over NPR 35 million from Citizens Bank, with hackers reportedly using Telegram to lure unemployed youth into executing the cybercrime. This specific event was a key topic of discussion during the coordination committee’s recent meeting.
Telegram: A “Dark Web in Your Pocket”?
The platform’s features, including strong encryption, user anonymity, and resistance to traditional regulatory oversight, have led some to compare Telegram to a “dark web in your pocket.” These characteristics make it an attractive haven for cybercriminals seeking to trade illegal goods and services without leaving easily traceable digital footprints.
A high-ranking official from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police highlighted that Telegram has consistently evaded local regulations despite persistent criminal use. The official expressed hope that the government’s renewed seriousness in addressing this issue is a welcome development, given past instances where such concerns were seemingly overlooked.
Future Implications for Digital Security in Nepal
The potential ban on Telegram signals a more assertive stance by the Nepalese government against unregulated digital platforms perceived as threats to national security and financial integrity. While the process is still in its early stages, the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for digital communication, online security, and the fight against cybercrime and money laundering in Nepal. This action emphasizes the government’s commitment to ensuring a safer digital environment for all Nepalese.
Keywords: Nepal Telegram ban, fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, digital security, National Coordination Committee, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, OPMCM, Nepal Police, F1Soft hack, cybercriminals, Pavel Durov, dark web, Nepalese.
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