A senior police commander tasked with curbing Sydney's underworld activity has issued a stark warning as criminal gangs compete for control of a multi-billion dollar market. Since 2020, 24 people have been killed in the harbour city's gangland conflicts, with violence reaching unprecedented levels.
Recent Incidents Highlight Escalation
This week, an innocent relative of the Alameddine crime family and his teenage daughter narrowly escaped death when a gunman's weapon jammed during an attempted shooting at a school pick-up. Days earlier, close to 30 rounds were fired at a Punchbowl function centre believed to be hosting a wake for 'Coconut Cartel' boss Lorenzo Lemalu, who was killed in Vietnam last month. Three people, including two 17-year-old boys, have been charged over the incident.
“They’re not really knowing what they’re getting into,” said Detective Superintendent Jason Box, commander of Taskforce Falcon, in an interview with 7NEWS. “I’ve warned them on numerous occasions that there’s every likelihood they’re going to be targeted themselves.”
Box, a veteran of over 30 years in law enforcement, said he had never seen offenders acting so brazenly.
Underworld Power Vacuum
For years, the Alameddine crime network has held the top position in Sydney’s underworld. Its biggest rival, the Coconut Cartel, has been significantly weakened following the death of leader Lemalu. Whether the cartel will be completely disbanded remains uncertain. Smaller gangs including G7, KVT (which translates to Fijian Warriors), the OC Jail Gang, and Lone Wolves could be preparing to move in. Established organised crime groups, such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, Asian crime syndicates like The Final Crime Family, and even overseas-based alleged drug kingpins, may also be angling for a share of a drug and illegal tobacco market worth billions of dollars.
“Whether their existence is one person or a hundred, there are people out there wanting to commit serious acts. That won’t stop,” Box said.
Taskforce Falcon's Response
Box commands Taskforce Falcon, launched in May 2025 to crush organised crime. The 150-strong team has made 500 arrests and laid 1500 charges. The commander has issued stark warnings to those being recruited into gang violence.
“There hasn’t been too many good results for anybody. It’s a bad outcome for all,” Box said.
