Many believe Telegram provides a secure and anonymous space for sharing sensitive information. However, this assumption is flawed. In this article, we’ll explore techniques to uncover valuable data and trace identities on Telegram.

Telegram’s Role in Modern Conflicts

Telegram has become one of the most widely used platforms in geopolitical conflicts, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. With limited access to traditional social media in Russia and ongoing information warfare, Telegram has solidified its place as a major communication hub.

In the realm of intelligence gathering, controlling the flow of information equates to wielding power. The ongoing war has further highlighted the significance of OSINT in deciphering digital footprints. This post delves into the core methods for extracting intelligence from Telegram.

Understanding Telegram Identifiers

Unlike usernames or phone numbers, which can be altered at will, every Telegram account is assigned a permanent Telegram ID upon registration. This ID remains unchanged, making it a valuable tool for identification.

One of the easiest ways to retrieve a Telegram ID is through dedicated bots such as Telesint. By inputting a username, chat, or channel name, these bots can quickly return the associated Telegram ID.

For further insights, users may also determine the account’s creation date by forwarding a message from the account to the CreationDateBot, which reveals the registration timestamp.

How Usernames and Nicknames Function

Telegram allows users to set both a display name and a username:

• Display names (First Name/Last Name format) are visible in chats and contact lists but are not unique, making them unreliable identifiers.
• Usernames (beginning with @) function as unique links to an account but can be changed at any time.

To check the availability of a username, simply attempt to access it via https://t.me/USERNAME:

• If it redirects to Telegram’s main page, the username is unclaimed.
• If the username exists, the associated profile will appear.

Additionally, these links are indexed by Google. You can use the following search query to find instances of a username:

site:t.me "query"

For broader searches, whatsmyname.app allows users to check for matching usernames across various online platforms.

Unmasking Telegram Users

To deanonymize a Telegram user, a systematic approach is required. Key profile elements to analyze include:

• Profile picture
• Display name
• Username (@handle)
• Bio and additional details

Verifying Telegram Account Information

Cross-referencing account details with external sources is crucial for verification. If additional context is available, compare it against the profile data. Otherwise, each element should be scrutinized individually and in combination with others.

Example: Reverse Image Search on Profile Pictures

1. Conduct a reverse image search to check for duplicates across the web.
2. Determine whether the image is linked to a real person or sourced from stock photography.
3. Analyze the background for potential geographic or contextual clues.

By applying this methodology to other account details, inconsistencies or confirmable information can be identified.

Leveraging Bots for Telegram OSINT

Certain Telegram bots specialize in aggregating leaked data. While their availability fluctuates due to periodic removals, they often reappear under new aliases.

Among their capabilities:

• Searching leaked databases for usernames and phone numbers. 
• Extracting metadata from Telegram posts.
• Identifying digital traces left by users.

Tracking User Activity

Beyond static profile analysis, monitoring a user’s activity can yield critical insights:

• Group memberships may indicate geographic location or personal interests.
• Active participation in professional circles can reveal affiliations.
• Monitoring public conversations provides behavioral insights.

Since Telegram does not publicly display all group memberships, third-party tools such as TelegramDB can assist in uncovering a user’s past and present group associations.

Extracting Data from Telegram

1. Defining the Objective
   • Determine what information you need and its likely form.
   • Identify probable sources to streamline the search process.
   
2. Using Telegram’s Built-in Search
   • While Telegram’s search has limitations, it is effective for pinpointing keywords within channels or groups.
   • Create a dedicated research account to compartmentalize different investigations.
   
3. Searching for Groups and Channels
   • Google search queries such as site:t.me/* ("SDR" OR "signal intelligence") can help locate relevant channels.
   • Unique Telegram invite links (https://t.me/+XXXXXXX) can be tracked by searching for them verbatim.

Custom Telegram Search Engines

Beyond Google, specialized search engines exist for Telegram-specific content. Notable options include:

• Telegago (https://cse.google.com/cse?&cx...)
• Alternative Google CSE (https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=...)
• tgfind.org (Keyword-based Telegram post search)

These tools facilitate efficient data collection from public channels and user profiles.

Telegram Channel Directories

Channel catalogs, initially developed for marketing and analytics, also serve as powerful OSINT tools. Telemetr.io provides:

• Search functionality for discovering new channels.
• Brief analytics for identified channels.
• Keyword-based search across channel posts, including deleted content (limited to the last seven days in the free version).

Recovering Deleted Telegram Content

While channel catalogs are useful, they have limitations. Fortunately, the Wayback Machine has been archiving Telegram content since 2022. To retrieve deleted posts:

1. Visit the Wayback Machine’s Telegram Collection.
2. Enter a keyword or phrase.
3. Filter results to find archived Telegram content.

Final Thoughts

Mastering OSINT techniques on Telegram requires strategic application of search methods and critical analysis of gathered information. By systematically combining these techniques, investigators can extract meaningful intelligence from Telegram.

To further enhance your OSINT skills, contact us, we have a skilled team of OSINT experts to assit all of your OSINT needs.