Kathmandu, July 18 -- Nepal has ordered its telecommunication service providers to block the messaging app Telegram for allegedly fueling online fraud and money laundering.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) issued a notice ordering all telecommunication service providers to block Telegram with immediate effect on Friday late afternoon.

"As the number of online frauds through the Telegram App operating in Nepal is continuously increasing, and it has been understood that there is involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering, all relevant telecommunication service providers have been directed through this notice to immediately block/close access to the Telegram App," the one-sentence notice reads.

The telecommunication...