Updated ,first published
Alleged one-time gangland boss Fadi Haddara is fighting for life after he was ambushed and shot in the driveway of his Altona North home.
Police believe Haddara, 48, was the victim of a targeted attack when he was shot in a parked car in his driveway on Marigold Avenue, near Millers Road, just before 8pm on Sunday.
Neighbours, who did not want to be identified over fears of retaliation, said they heard multiple gunshots around 8pm. Police and paramedics were quickly on scene.
The neighbours said they heard yelling inside the home as detectives arrived.
Despite his reputation, neighbours said Haddara was friendly, often waving to neighbours as he drove along the street.
Police said the alleged gangland boss had been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Haddara’s lawyer has been contacted for comment.
Half of Marigold Avenue remained completely blocked off on Monday morning.
Police cars can be seen parked outside the home and along the street.
The front lights at Haddara’s home were on, but police tape has blocked the driveway.
Haddara, the alleged patriarch of the Haddara crime family, once held a commanding position over the illicit tobacco trade in Melbourne but had been squeezed out by new gangland boss Kazem “Kaz” Hamad in early 2024.
The Age has previously reported that the Haddaras surrendered their stake in the illicit tobacco smuggling and distribution market following a relentless firebombing and shooting campaign waged by Hamad in 2023-2024, including Fadi finding multiple GPS trackers on his car.
The attack on Fadi has been met with surprise in the underworld given the clan was largely sidelined following Hamad’s establishment of cartel-like control over the tobacco market.
Attempts by some criminal players to take advantage of Hamad’s arrest in Iraq in January have met with acts of serious retribution by Hamad’s gang, known as The Commission or the 313.
Four businesses and a home owned or linked to the crime gang led by Haddara were attacked in March of this year alone, including the torching of the Capriccio Gelateria in Williamstown and a drive-by shooting targeting a crowd of men standing outside an Altona North kebab shop in the heart of the gang’s territory.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
