economic value is distinct from social value. the former can be used to describe small groups (e.g. criminals who benefit from a crime), while the latter can be used to describe the negative sum relationship between criminals and their victims.
so, "positive [economic] value [for some]" and "negative [social] value on net" are not mutually exclusive.
Well, I was referring to its social value. A positive value solely for criminals is hardly an excellent economic indicator and I’m a bit surprised you would argue otherwise.