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?

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