Organised crime in Australia

We provide advice to government, law enforcement and the public sector on how they can reduce the impact of serious and organised crime in Australia. In undertaking our role we develop and analyse intelligence on organised crime and disseminate this information to law enforcement and government. Understanding the criminal environment is essential to developing appropriate responses to serious and organised crime.

Cost of organised crime

Organised crime costs Australia between $10 and $15 billion every year, representing a significant threat to Australian society. Organised crime is also adaptable and sophisticated and the associated risks carry significant consequences for businesses and the Australian community.

Cost of organised crime in Australia animation

About organised crime groups

Illicit markets that organised crime groups operate in Organised crime contributes to much of the nation's serious crime. The organised crime groups that pose the most significant risk to Australia:

are transnational
have proven capabilities and involvement in serious crime
operate in two or more regions or states
operate in multiple crime markets
are engaged in the illicit drugs market, fraud and money laundering
intermingle legitimate and criminal enterprises
are fluid and adaptable
are able to employ a range of strategies to further their activities including violence and corruption
withstand disruption
use new technologies
use specialist advice and professional facilitators.

Illicit markets and organised criminal activity

The illicit drug market is the primary criminal market that organised crime groups operate in. Other illicit markets include fraud and financial crime, firearms markets and intellectual property crime. Although drugs are likely to remain the primary market that organised criminal groups operate in, the future of organised crime may involve new sectors and activities.