Magistrate Grants Bail to Accused Head of Illegal $30 Million Tobacco Empire

Electronic cigarettes with different flavored E-liquid are seen on display at the Vapor Shark store in Miami, Fla., on Feb. 20, 2014. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A magistrate has freed the alleged head of an extensive illegal tobacco and vape syndicate on bail despite acknowledging there will be a “significant risk” to public safety while he remains in the community.

Police expressed fears that Nazir Haddara, 25, may order firebomb attacks on rival shops and potentially flee the country.

Haddara was one of eight people charged with Commonwealth offences for their part in directing and assisting an organised crime syndicate after Victoria Police—assisted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and the Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Illicit Tobacco Taskforce—raided 27 properties across Victoria on Oct. 23.

Authorities seized 600,000 tobacco sticks, other tobacco products, vapes, and other assets alleged to be the proceeds of crime, including luxury cars.

Victorian law confines the sale of vapes to Australian pharmacies, banning them from retailers like tobacconists and convenience stores.

The risks posed by Haddara, whom police labelled as a “director” and “principal offender” for his part in the alleged $30 million illegal tobacco empire, could be managed with strict bail conditions, Magistrate Michelle Hodgson ruled.

Haddara’s role reportedly involved overseeing the syndicate’s finances, managing cigarette stock levels, and selling vapes.

Officers from Operation Viper pictured on Oct. 23, 2024, beside one of the vehicles seized as proceeds of crime after raids on 27 properties across Victoria as part of a crackdown on a syndicate selling illegal tobacco and vapes. Victoria Police

Police wanted to keep the boxer in custody until his trial for allegedly running an illegal business and dealing with the proceeds of a crime worth more than $1 million.

They claim the Haddara organisation is part of an ongoing turf war for control of the illegal cigarette trade, which has resulted in more than 100 firebombings of shops across the state.

Detective Senior Constable Jessica Keenan told the court that violence would continue if Haddara and his cousin, Hassan Jassem, 21, were released on bail.

“It’s widely known among these syndicate members that Haddara is involved in these instances of burning shops,” she told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

She said it was “highly likely” that Haddara had authorised the beating of a rival shop owner before the business was ram-raided with a stolen car earlier this year.

‘Significant Risk’ Can Be Mitigated: Magistrate

Magistrate Hodgson acknowledged there was a “significant risk” to public safety but noted it could take years for Haddara to appear in court.

She granted bail, with Haddara’s brother providing a $150,000 surety. Haddara agreed to report to police three times a week, abide by a curfew, and not attend stores that sold illegal tobacco.

“I am satisfied that conditions could be put in place that would mitigate the risk to an acceptable level,” Hodgson said.

The court also heard that more than $4 million had been deposited into Haddara’s bank accounts over the past three years despite his not having a listed job or filing a tax return.

Since January 1, 2024, border and domestic enforcement efforts have led to the seizure and surrender of over 6.5 million vaping products, valued at more than $195.5 million. Further joint operations are planned nationwide.