The unsettling discovery of an online “menu” listing prices for crimes-for-hire, such as arson, kidnapping, and torture, reflects a disturbing trend in modern crime, according to a former detective.

Services on this illicit menu start at $1,000 for assault, with fees reaching up to $10,000 for setting a house on fire.

Luke Taylor, a former detective now working as a high school teacher, shared his insights on Today, stating, “We’re witnessing a growing number of vulnerable and disenfranchised youths who are prime targets for radicalization.”

Although the term “radical” is often linked to terrorism, Taylor explained, “Being radical simply means adopting a stance that opposes political and legal norms.”

Taylor pointed out that the structure of organized crime is increasingly resembling a “gig economy,” a significant issue already seen in the UK and Europe.

“The challenge with this gig economy model is that when services are outsourced, there’s a high risk of collateral damage,” he warned.

“It’s like a quality of service when you have the lowest bidder for a contract.”

Taylor said the number of youths willing to take part was growing.

“And I’m seeing it across schools, and I work right across NSW and Australia,” he said.

“And there is a complete disconnect between risk and reward, and there’s such a significant number of youth who’ve got such low aspiration and direction that they’re ripe for the picking.”

He said many of the youths targeted were “basically social orphans”, and labelled their manipulation by active criminals “Dickensian”.

“And whilst that’s a bigger issue for another day, all the reasons behind it, the police are the ones now having to play catch up for how education and lawmakers have let everyone down over the past decades,” he said.

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