Signal Serious and organised crime estimated to cost the UK 47 billion pounds a year

Summary

Recent estimates put the cost of serious and organised crime to the UK economy at 47 billion pounds a year, and the report considers this very likely to understate the true figure. The estimate comes from the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy for 2023 to 2028. As background, the report cites continuing growth in drug use, seizures and offences, a 6% rise in firearms offences and increasing referrals for modern slavery. Beyond economic costs, organised crime causes direct harm to people, with drug-related deaths in England and Wales at their highest since records began in 1993. In response, the National Crime Agency works with 75 partner organisations to pursue and disrupt offenders and bring them to justice, while also deterring would-be offenders and limiting harm.