Encrypted messaging on Telegram: Uncle Metin Online, Pisi, Çiko

It is alleged that the Telegram application has recently been used by malicious individuals for drug and arms trafficking. 

In groups with thousands of followers, drug dealers and arms sellers hide their identities and market the drugs and weapons they offer for sale by using the platform like an e-commerce site. While interest in these Telegram groups, most of which are open to the public and allow participation without any request, is increasing day by day, it has been observed that narcotics are referred to by names such as 'Uncle Metin Online, Yeşilçay Online, Pisi, Çiko' to avoid police detection. Considering that mobile phone usage has reached younger ages, it is believed that this poses an invitation to danger for children.

Stating that technology is also being used by malicious individuals, Forensic Informatics and Cybersecurity Expert Mustafa Sansar said, "There are various groups within the chat program called Telegram. Those who manage these groups lure people into their traps via social media, and because they are accessible to young children, they contain very risky information. One of these is drugs, another is weapons. Anyone can very easily purchase a weapon from here. Or, unfortunately, drugs can be accessed easily. Transactions are made."

THEY USE ENCRYPTED MESSAGES

Speaking about the code names used for narcotics in Telegram groups, Sansar pointed out that these nicknames could be used to evade police surveillance. Sansar said, "Beyond the intention of giving fun names to narcotics, they have developed codes to say, 'No, I am not selling drugs, I am talking about someone,' the moment they are caught in relation to these crimes. They generally give names like 'Green tea has arrived, Uncle Metin has arrived.' But it should be known that the Turkish National Police are on top of these individuals and are conducting many operations, as reflected in the press."

Sansar also issued warnings to families, stating, "One of the most important issues here is to monitor and control our children. The duty here falls to the families. Therefore, it is necessary to look at how children use the mobile phones, tablets, and computers given to them, to analyze them, and to check them from time to time. In these checks, it is essential to control what sites they visit and who they are messaging with on their phones."

News Source: İHA