Secret tobacco war briefings reveal authorities wasted years cracking down on illicit trade

Certainly! Here’s a well-structured and organized presentation of the summary based on the thought process:

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### The Rise of Organized Crime in Illicit Tobacco: Understanding the Threat

In recent years, Australia has witnessed a significant escalation in organized crime, particularly in the illicit tobacco trade. Criminal syndicates have deeply entrenched themselves in the nation’s black market, exploiting vulnerabilities in border security and leveraging sophisticated networks to expand their operations. One such prominent group is the Haddara syndicate, which has been a major player since at least 2014, engaging in large-scale cigarette smuggling and a myriad of violent crimes. This surge in criminal activity has led to a turbulent environment marked by firebombings, turf wars, and the recruitment of young individuals, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated law enforcement response.

### The Haddara Syndicate and Beyond: Unveiling Criminal Networks

The Haddara syndicate stands out as a key player in the illicit tobacco trade, with operations spanning across Victoria, New South Wales, and even international borders. Their notoriety grew following significant seizures in 2014 and 2022, amounting to millions of dollars. This group’s involvement extends beyond tobacco, encompassing drug trafficking, extortion, and arson, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their criminal enterprise. Similarly, figures like Kazem Hamad and Ahmed Al-Hamza have emerged as central to these networks, utilizing their influence to orchestrate violent conflicts and expand their illicit empires. Their designation as high-priority targets by Australian authorities emphasizes the severity of their impact on national security.

### Tactics and Recruitment: The Modern Face of Crime

The modus operandi of these syndicates includes leveraging the gig economy for recruitment, with individuals, some as young as 14, being hired for arson attacks for minimal pay. This trend, termed ‘Airtasking,’ highlights the adaptability and ruthlessness of modern organized crime. By exploiting such platforms, criminals efficiently target competitors and dissenters, creating a climate of fear and instability. This approach not only broadens their reach but also complicates law enforcement efforts, as it involves a disparate group of actors rather than a centralized hierarchy.

### Law Enforcement Efforts: Challenges and Progress

Despite the challenges, law enforcement agencies are making strides in combating this menace. Victoria Police, at the forefront of these efforts, has achieved notable success with recent arrests and the establishment of a dedicated taskforce. However, resource constraints and inter-agency coordination issues persist, hindering the effectiveness of these initiatives. The absence of a comprehensive licensing regime in Victoria further exacerbates the problem, allowing the black market to thrive. Federal agencies, while ramping up efforts, face criticism for past neglect of the issue, which was perceived as a lower priority compared to drug trafficking.

### Policy and Penalties: The Fuel for the Black Market

A critical factor fueling the illicit tobacco trade is the high excise on legal products, creating a stark price disparity that drives consumers to the black market. While legal cigarettes cost around $40 per pack, illicit ones are sold for as low as $9, making them an attractive alternative. Critics argue that the Health Department’s emphasis on increasing excise to reduce smoking has inadvertently bolstered organized crime. The relatively lenient penalties for tobacco-related offenses further encourage criminal involvement, as the risks are lower compared to drug trafficking. This has led to calls for a reassessment of policies to balance public health goals with effective crime control strategies.

### Conclusion: The Path Forward

The illicit tobacco trade presents a complex challenge, requiring a multi-faceted approach to address its root causes. Enhancing penalties, implementing robust licensing schemes, and improving inter-agency collaboration are essential steps. Public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks and consequences of purchasing illicit tobacco can also play a crucial role. By adopting a coordinated strategy that combines policy reform, law enforcement action, and community engagement, Australia can effectively combat this threat and restore safety to its communities.

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