In this episode, we break down the Australian Institute of Criminology’s latest statistical report on the true economic toll of serious and organised crime in Australia during the 2023–24 financial year. The headline figure is staggering: an estimated upper cost of $82.3 billion , a sum that accounts for a significant slice of the nation’s GDP. We explore how this massive total is calculated—combining direct criminal losses with the indirect costs of prevention, enforcement, and response across both public and private sectors. From illicit drug markets and sophisticated financial crime to environmental offences, cybercrime, and the rapidly growing illicit tobacco trade, the report reveals just how widespread and costly organised crime has become. Finally, we unpack why the authors believe even these enormous figures are conservative, and what this means for policymakers, industry, and communities trying to curb the influence of organised criminal networks. Tune in for a clear, compelling look at the hidden economic drain shaping Australia’s security and economy.
