Organised crime

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Melbourne’s tobacco wars are reigniting.

‘They’re getting sent a message’: Tobacco war reignites as Kaz Hamad’s ‘Commission’ fights to retain control

There have been more than a dozen arson attacks and two shootings related to illicit tobacco markets since Hamad was arrested in Iraq in mid-January.

  • Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola

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Casualties from outside the underworld (clockwise from left): John Versace, Matt Uttai, Thi Kim Tran, Chris Baghsarian.

There was once a code even the most ruthless crims lived by. Those days are long gone

Accepted norms in Sydney’s underworld are crumbling and the vicious killing of Chris Baghsarian is just one example of the shift.

  • Riley Walter
Crime seems to be woven into the very fabric of Melbourne. Most passersby wouldn’t know about the secrets bubbling under the surface. But John Silvester does.
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A Tour of Naked City, Melbourne's hidden history of organised crime

Crime seems to be woven into the very fabric of Melbourne. Most passersby wouldn’t know about the secrets bubbling under the surface. But John Silvester does.

  • Pablo Barnes
In 1962, rival families fought for control of Queen Victoria Market. John T. Cusack warned of the mafia's power. He was ignored, until his report came true.
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The American investigator who exposed Melbourne’s mafia was ignored

In 1962, rival families fought for control of Queen Victoria Market. John T. Cusack warned of the mafia's power. He was ignored, until his report came true.

  • Pablo Barnes
Joel Leavitt.

Further charges laid against ex-CFMEU official Joel Leavitt

The 32-year-old was arrested this morning and charged with breaching bail.

  • Alexander Darling
Chris Baghsarian was allegedly abducted from his home on February 13.

The crucial mistakes that brought Chris Baghsarian’s alleged killers undone

The grandfather’s alleged killers botched a crime that gripped Sydney and blurred the line between innocent bystanders and the criminal underworld.

  • Riley Walter
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The man was arrested after police stormed a Daceyville address.

Eastern suburbs man arrested as new police taskforce targets Coconut Cartel

Footage posted online shows a car being firebombed and threats made to the Alameddine crime network.

  • Daniel Lo Surdo

Men charged with kidnap and murder of Sydney grandfather

Heavily armed police arrested two men less than 24 hours after the remains of Chris Baghsarian, 85, were found dumped near a golf course.

  • Riley Walter
Chris Baghsarian

The ‘sweetest’ man: A beloved Sydney grandfather’s gentle life and harrowing end

Born in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem, Chris Baghsarian was a gentle, friendly father of two who was allegedly murdered in a bungled kidnapping.

  • Amber Schultz
Index Stepanyon/Baghsarian

Intended victims taunt bungling kidnappers of Sydney grandfather

Elderly widower Chris Baghsarian lived a quiet life and had never fallen foul of the law. Only a few doors down, the colourful Stepanyan family was only too well known to the police.

  • Perry Duffin, Kate McClymont and Riley Walter