Kidnapping the new firebombing as attacks continue despite jailing of kingpin
A criminal syndicate known as 'The Commission' has escalated its tactics from firebombing to kidnapping to extort tobacco retailers in Victoria. Despite the arrest of key leaders, the group continues to operate and exert violence.
Why it matters
The evolution of organized crime tactics into civilian kidnapping represents a dangerous escalation in the regional tobacco black market wars.
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Share A A A Nationwide crime syndicate The Commission ordered the kidnapping and assault of a family member of a tobacco store owner in a major new escalation of the violence used to control the tobacco market.
The man was abducted off the street in broad daylight in the regional town of Morwell on Saturday after a local shop owner, a relative, refused to turn over control of the outlet to the gang.
Kaz Hamad’s 313 Crew, also known as The Commission, has graduated from firebombing to kidnapping. Matthew Absalom-Wong The Commission – founded by jailed gangland boss Kazem “Kaz” Hamad – has long been running an extortion racket on black market tobacco retailers. In recent months, it has started to extort legitimate tobacco shops as a new revenue raiser.
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