Arson and deadly feuds: Australia’s tobacco wars | Four Corners Documentary

Four Corners investigative journalist Dan Oakes uncovers the secrets of Australia’s black-market tobacco trade in Tobacco Wars. With illicit cigarettes readily available in cash-only stores and distributed by unmarked vans across the country, this investigation reveals a vast network stretching from Melbourne’s suburban tobacconists to international smuggling routes. Using concealed cameras and exclusive access to law enforcement, the Four Corners team follows the illicit pipeline, exposing the lucrative industry that is fueling organised crime while robbing the government of billions in lost revenue. Tobacco Wars investigates the high-stakes underworld where arson attacks, extortion, and deadly feuds are used to control the illegal cigarette market. As the government grapples with policy responses and law enforcement agencies struggle to disrupt smuggling syndicates, Tobacco Wars raises urgent questions about the country’s ability to curb this thriving illicit trade. With gripping undercover footage and exclusive insights from key players, Four Corners delivers a must-watch exposé on how Australia’s efforts to cut smoking rates have inadvertently fueled a dangerous and violent underworld. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Tracking tobacco 02:05 – The black market 05:55 – Criminal gangs 06:15 – Innocent victims 08:15 – Arson attacks 09:05 – The Haddara family 11:10 – Dubai 12:45 – Khaled al-Mahamid 14:25 – Australian Border Force 24:10 – Public policy 26:50 – Pam’s story 31:50 – Tobacco control policies 31:55 – Crackdowns and raids 39:00 – What can be done? Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated. #ABCNewsIndepth #ABCNewsAustralia #FourCorners #Investigation