Telegram channels linked to Russia offer cryptocurrency for attacks on mosques in United Kingdom

A network of Telegram channels with Russian ties has emerged, offering cryptocurrency payments to United Kingdom residents who commit violent attacks against mosques and Muslims, according to campaigners (via The Guardian).

These channels, which have been previously linked to incidents of Islamophobic graffiti in east and south London, are now urging people to go further, with some even calling for knife attacks.

The online group has sparked concern not only because of its extreme content, but also due to evidence suggesting it may be part of a broader Russian effort to stoke social unrest in Western Europe.

Alarmed groups are working with counter-terrorism authorities to combat the threat, while charities emphasise the heightened apprehension within Muslim communities, especially with Ramadan approaching.

[Update]:

A spokesperson for the company has reached out to clarify the actions. It is now confirmed that these channels were removed earlier this week during the platform's routine moderation. Any new channels attempting to resurface were also banned today.

"These groups were removed earlier this week as part of Telegram's routine moderation and the recreated channels were banned earlier today. While anyone can create chats with arbitrary names, any groups or channels found breaching Telegram's terms will be immediately removed.

Calls for violence are explicitly forbidden by Telegram's terms of service. Moderators empowered with custom AI and matching learning tools proactively monitor public parts of the platform and accept reports from users and organizations to remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day.

Telegram can disclose the IP address and phone number of criminals who breach our terms of service in response to valid legal requests."