Fadi Haddara, identified as a former leader of the Haddara crime family and allegedly involved in Melbourne's illicit tobacco trade, was shot Sunday evening in the driveway of his home in Altona North. The 48-year-old was sitting in his car shortly before 8 p.m. when the ambush occurred. He was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital and is reported to be in stable, non-life-threatening condition.
Underworld Context
Haddara's clan reportedly withdrew from alleged operations following a series of firebombings and shootings targeting their businesses in 2023 and 2024. These attacks are believed to have been orchestrated by Kazem 'Kaz' Hamad, whose gang, 313, is thought to remain a dominant force in Victoria's illegal tobacco market despite Hamad's sentencing to life in prison in Iraq last month.
Previous Legal Issues
Haddara has a prior criminal record, having been sentenced to nearly two years in prison in 2015 for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. He was investigated by Victoria Police as part of Operation Skyborne, which targeted Middle Eastern organized crime syndicates. During that investigation, Haddara was implicated through the use of listening devices placed at his panel beating shop. Although accused of firearm offenses again in 2023, those charges were later dropped.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are currently investigating the shooting. Victoria Police stated that a crime scene has been established and will be processed by the Major Crime Scene Unit. Authorities believe the incident was targeted and are appealing for witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.