A disturbing new online trend is emerging — where criminal behaviour is being encouraged, filmed, and rewarded for social media attention.

So-called “crimefluencers” are operating across digital platforms, targeting young and vulnerable people and pushing them into acts ranging from petty crime to serious violence, all in the pursuit of online status and engagement.

Brent speaks with cyber safety expert Susan McLean to unpack how these networks operate, why young people are being drawn in, and how a culture of “post and boast” is escalating real-world harm.

They explore how recruitment happens through gaming and social platforms, the psychological drivers behind youth vulnerability, and what role tech companies, parents, and policymakers need to play in stopping it.

This is a confronting look at how online influence is crossing into criminal behaviour — and what can be done before more young lives are impacted.