# Melbourne illicit tobacco trade gangland violence > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/melbourne-illicit-tobacco-trade-gangland-violence > Updated: 2026-08-26T05:32:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. On August 16, 2026, Fadi Haddara, an alleged underworld figure linked to Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade, was shot in an apparent ambush while parked in a driveway in Altona North. Haddara, reportedly the head of the Haddara crime family, was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Following the initial attack, violence has expanded to include Haddara’s associates. One associate was shot in the arm at a cafe in Altona North, and a 37-year-old man identified as Fadi Afram, described as a long-time associate of the Haddara syndicate, was shot in broad daylight in Heidelberg West. Police are investigating these targeted shootings in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar illicit tobacco and money laundering operation. Authorities suspect an organized crime group known as ‘The Commission’ (or ‘the 313’) is responsible for the attacks. This group was established by Kazem Hamad, who was recently jailed for life in Iraq following his deportation from Australia, and has been linked to a nationwide illicit tobacco cartel. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Fadi Haddara crime boss shooting triggers police probe into tobacco operation Police are investigating a series of targeted shootings involving crime figure Fadi Haddara and his associates, potentially linked to an illicit tobacco and money laundering operation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fadi-haddara-crime-boss-shooting-triggers-police-probe-into-tobacco-operation ### 2026-08-16: Fadi Haddara shot in Melbourne suburb Alleged Melbourne crime boss Fadi Haddara is in critical condition following a targeted shooting outside his home in Altona North, amid ongoing gangland conflicts over the illicit tobacco trade. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fadi-haddara-shot-in-targeted-ambush-in-melbourne-suburb --- Cite as: Melbourne illicit tobacco trade gangland violence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/melbourne-illicit-tobacco-trade-gangland-violence