Jack Hoysted aka 'Jack the Insider' describes the crimes and twisted character of Chow Hayes.

A violent standover man and extortionist, in 1930 Chow became the first local criminal to be described by Australian police as a gangster.

Connected as he was to multiple levels of Depression-era Sydney's underworld, Chow is among the historic figures who fascinate Jack most.

Chow's extortion rackets were built on his reputation as the most ruthless operator of his day; in the habit of bashing, torturing and even executing those who crossed him.

After decades in and out of prison for his crimes, Chow spent his dotage speaking publicly, revealing the bizarre code of conduct by which he lived.

Further information

Listen to Jack's previous true crime conversations:

The Fine Cotton Fiasco

Stan 'the Man' Smith

Roger Rogerson

The image of Chow Hayes is contained in the book 'Crooks Like Us' by Peter Doyle, based on archival photographs held by Sydney's Justice and Police Museum