Fact Check: "Fees for contract killings via UberKills reach thousands of euros."
What We Know
The claim regarding "UberKills" suggests that a service for contract killings operates through Telegram, with fees reportedly reaching thousands of euros. This assertion is primarily based on reports from various media outlets, including Le Monde and other sources that discuss the recruitment of individuals for violent acts through social media platforms. Specifically, Le Monde reported that an 18-year-old was recruited via Telegram for a murder, and the service was allegedly linked to the drug trade in France. The article mentions that the fees for such killings can be substantial, although exact figures are not consistently detailed across sources (source-4).
Additionally, the term "UberKills" appears to be a colloquial reference to the way these services are marketed and organized, echoing the "Uberization" of various sectors, including crime (source-5). The use of Telegram for such illicit activities has been noted as a growing concern, particularly among minors who are increasingly involved in drug trafficking and violent crime (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that fees for contract killings via "UberKills" can reach thousands of euros is partially substantiated by reports indicating that such services exist and that they are linked to serious criminal activities. However, the credibility of the sources reporting this information varies. For instance, Le Monde is a reputable French newspaper known for its investigative journalism, which lends credibility to its reporting on the subject (source-5).
On the other hand, some reports, particularly those from less established outlets or those relying on anonymous sources, may lack the same level of scrutiny and reliability. The narrative surrounding "UberKills" may also be sensationalized, as the term itself seems to be a recent invention rather than a formally recognized service (source-4).
Furthermore, while the reports indicate that fees can be high, they do not consistently provide specific figures or detailed accounts of transactions, making it difficult to ascertain the average cost of such services. The mention of "thousands of euros" appears to be more of an assertion rather than a documented fact, as the articles primarily focus on the recruitment and operational aspects of these criminal activities rather than financial specifics.
Conclusion
The claim that "fees for contract killings via UberKills reach thousands of euros" is Partially True. While there is evidence suggesting the existence of a service referred to as "UberKills" and that it is involved in serious criminal activities, the specifics regarding fees are not consistently documented across credible sources. The sensational nature of the claim, combined with the lack of detailed financial data, leads to a conclusion that while the claim has merit, it lacks comprehensive substantiation.
