In terms of turnover, the global shadow economy is the third largest "economic power" in the world after the US and China. Every year, illegal activities generate an estimated 12 to 16 trillion US-Dollar (USD) worldwide. By far the most important sector of the shadow economy is cybercrime. According to estimates, it generates around USD 10 trillion per year and is growing rapidly. Cyberattacks originate not only from well-known actors such as Russia, China, or the US, but also from many less prominent countries. The second most important area is illegal drug trafficking, with annual revenues of between USD 840 billion and 1.4 trillion. Around 316 million people worldwide consume drugs, and the trend is rising. Cannabis is the most commonly consumed substance. Other key pillars of the shadow economy are counterfeit goods and human trafficking. According to the OECD, the market for counterfeit goods is worth around USD 470 billion. Human trafficking generates at least USD 236 billion annually and affects around 28 million victims worldwide, with a large proportion of the profits coming from forced prostitution.
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In terms of turnover, global organized crime can compete with the world's major economic players. This video provides an overview of the latest facts and figures on the most important illegal markets worldwide.
Summary In terms of turnover, the global shadow economy is the third largest "economic power" in the world after the US and China. Every year, illegal activities generate an estimated 12 to 16 trillion US-Dollar (USD) worldwide. By far the most important sector of the shadow economy is cybercrime. According to estimates, it generates around USD 10 trillion per year and is growing rapidly. Cyberattacks originate not only from well-known actors such as Russia, China, or the US, but also from many less prominent countries. The second most important area is illegal drug trafficking, with annual revenues of between USD 840 billion and 1.4 trillion. Around 316 million people worldwide consume drugs, and the trend is rising. Cannabis is the most commonly consumed substance. Other key pillars of the shadow economy are counterfeit goods and human trafficking. According to the OECD, the market for counterfeit goods is worth around USD 470 billion. Human trafficking generates at least USD 236 billion annually and affects around 28 million victims worldwide, with a large proportion of the profits coming from forced prostitution.
