The Public Sector Podcast: Trends in Cybercrime with NSW Police

Episode Overview

In this gripping keynote episode, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft of the NSW Police Cybercrime Squad lifts the lid on the escalating scale and complexity of cyber threats facing Australia today.

Leading the nation’s largest dedicated cybercrime unit—with over 70 highly skilled officers—Craft delivers a compelling inside look at how his team tracks down cybercriminals, investigates multi-million-dollar digital fraud schemes, and partners globally to disrupt syndicates operating onshore and offshore.

From business email compromise and ransomware, to cryptocurrency laundering and SIM box fraud, this is a rare, firsthand perspective on the evolving nature of cybercrime—and the frontline response shaping Australia’s digital safety.

What You’ll Learn

The Changing Face of Cybercrime:
Understand the shift from traditional cyber-dependant attacks to cyber-enabled fraud, and why 90% of cases now fall into the latter category.

Top Cyber Threats in NSW:
Explore real data trends around BEC scams, ransomware, sextortion, identity theft, and illicit dark web marketplaces.

Case Files from the Field:
Discover how the NSW Cybercrime Squad intercepted a $320 million BEC attempt in real time—thanks to collaboration with banks, telcos, and international partners through the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3).

Crypto & Crime:
Hear how cybercriminals are shifting from traceable funds to cryptocurrency—and how NSW Police seized over $14 million in crypto last year alone.

SIM Box Scams & SMS Fraud:
Learn about proactive takedowns of SMS phishing operations, including national stings that shut down 318 million fraudulent messages in 3 months.

Why Reporting Matters:
Craft makes a strong case for increased community reporting—especially for underreported crimes like sextortion—where early action can lead to recovery and prevention.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re in law enforcement, policy, digital security, or forensic investigation, this episode offers a rare, clear-eyed view of the cybercrime landscape—backed by real case data, national coordination strategies, and practical disruption tactics.

Craft's message is sharp: cybercrime is evolving fast, and public sector collaboration is key to staying ahead of the threat.

🎧 Listen now to hear how NSW Police is turning intelligence into impact—and why building cyber resilience is a whole-of-system challenge.