Fadi Haddara crime boss shooting triggers police probe into tobacco operation

Police are investigating a series of targeted shootings linked to crime figure Fadi Haddara and an alleged multimillion-dollar illicit tobacco and money laundering operation in Tasmania.

Haddara was nearly killed on August 16 when he was shot in the driveway of his family home in Altona North. While recovering, he remains under medical care as doctors wait to remove a bullet lodged near his jawline.

The violence has extended to his associates. One associate was shot in the arm at a cafe in Altona North, and most recently, a 37-year-old man identified as Fadi Afram was shot in broad daylight outside a property in Heidelberg West. Afram is described as a long-time associate of the Haddara syndicate.

Authorities suspect the organized crime group known as ‘The Commission’ (or ‘the 313’) is behind the attacks. The group, established by Kazem Hamad, has been linked to a nationwide illicit tobacco cartel and a campaign of firebombings and shootings.