Telegram's Transformation: A New Marketplace for Drugs in France
Le Monde's recent investigation has uncovered a disturbing trend: the Telegram messaging application has become a thriving marketplace for drug sales and recruitment of drug dealers in France. The report, titled "Drug trade, digital platforms for selling drugs operate at maximum capacity in the summer," reveals how Telegram has evolved into a central hub for illegal activities, particularly during a summer marked by a surge in drug-related violence.
The investigation highlights a specific recruitment channel known as TP Emplois France, boasting 10,000 subscribers, which advertises job openings for drug selling positions. One advertisement reads, "We are looking for a team of serious inspectors to launch a highly secure point of sale. Good salary. Serious buyers only, thanks!" Such ads illustrate the normalization of a parallel economy thriving on the platform, where sellers openly market their products and services.
The New Age of Drug Distribution: Telegram's Role
According to Le Monde, Telegram is not just about selling drugs; it is also a recruitment ground for small-time sellers who compete for attention by highlighting their innocence to avoid police scrutiny. One seller boasts, "I am a minor with no suspicions surrounding me, and I have never been stopped by the police." This alarming trend shows how the platform has shifted from traditional drug sales in slums to a more sophisticated online marketplace.
The report reveals that many sellers employ innovative marketing strategies, including discount offers and promotional gifts such as rolling papers or lighters. To mitigate risks of fraud, these electronic points of sale predominantly accept payments in Bitcoin or other digital currencies, ensuring anonymity and security for both buyers and sellers.
Moreover, some Telegram channels have developed into automated systems, resembling e-commerce platforms where users can browse products, select quantities, and choose delivery methods without any human interaction. This evolution raises significant concerns about law enforcement’s ability to monitor and combat the growing drug trade facilitated by digital platforms.
- The investigation also notes that the era of drugs being sold in physical locations like suburbs and slums is fading. Instead, Telegram sellers compete to showcase the quality of their products, often accompanied by promotional sales and incentives. This shift not only changes the landscape of drug distribution but also poses challenges for authorities trying to combat this illicit trade. Furthermore, Telegram's role as a recruitment platform for illegal activities extends beyond drug dealing. Graphic designers, for instance, are offering their services to help improve marketing strategies for these illegal operations, indicating a complex and organized structure behind this underground economy.
