In the past 10 years, there has been a rapid proliferation of publicly available tools and applications using artificial intelligence (AI). Using Australian data, this report measured the perceived frequency of AI-enabled crimes and which specific technologies pose the greatest perceived risk of victimisation. The findings highlight priority areas for industry safeguards and public education.

The increasing availability of illicit, untraceable and unregistered privately manufactured 3D-printed firearms poses a significant safety risk to frontline law enforcement officers and the community at large. Using data from a large national survey, the authors measured exposure to digital firearms products being sold online.

Understanding the complex interplay between substance use and criminal activity is important in informing law enforcement and health strategies aimed at reducing drug-related crime. The extent to which substance use contributes to offending has been measured using Australian data. The findings estimate the total number of principal offences attributable to different substances.

This study examines the experiences of 331 Australian individuals and small to medium enterprise owners who were victims of ransomware. It used survey data to understand how they were targeted and the vulnerabilities that were exploited. The results highlight both the human element in victimisation and the need for technological solutions to protect business owners.

This report is the fifth iteration in a series of attempts to calculate the costs of serious and organised crime to Australia. Serious and organised crime was estimated to cost Australia between $35.5b and $82.3b in 2023–24. These figures represent the substantial and pervasive economic impact of serious and organised crime on Australia.