Victim-based crime includes human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, child sex tourism, and the possession, distribution and production of child abuse material and online offences. Serious and organised crime groups are closely involved in the commission of these crimes. These criminals are motivated by profit and will engage in any activity that increases their bottom line, including child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
In 2022–23, the Australian Institute of Criminology estimated the costs of serious and organised crime involvement in child sexual abuse and human trafficking (excluding forced marriage, where organised crime involvement is unlikely to be apparent) ranged from $371.6 million to $884.3 million.
Exploitation of people, in the form of human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery, has become one of the most pervasive criminal economies in the world. The rapid increase in technological advancements and social media interconnectedness has provided perpetrators with new avenues to target, recruit, and exploit victims online. Technology can increase the scale and speed with which modern slavery crimes are committed, while reducing the risk to perpetrators.
We use our full range of capabilities to collect, analyse and share unique and incisive intelligence in order to prevent and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for the organised sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking, both domestically and offshore. This includes supporting policy, regulatory and legislative responses to reduce the incident of these victim-based crimes.
Collaboration across law enforcement and intelligence agencies is key to tackling serious and organised crime and especially when countering child sexual exploitation and abuse which is becoming more prevalent, commodified, organised and extreme. We collaborate with our partners, such as the Australian Institute of Criminology and Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to support outcomes in relation to these crimes.
The Modern Slavery in Australia website brings together authoritative, factual information on modern slavery in Australia, including how to get help and how to support someone else. It provides information for people interested in understanding Australia's modern slavery laws and policies. It also contains useful guidance, training and resources.