In mid-2025, Sydney was the scene of a rare and intense underworld conflict centered on Samimjan Azari, a former close associate of the Alameddine crime family. Over a span of four months, authorities allege there were four separate attempts on Azari’s life, including incidents near a beach, in heavy traffic, and outside a kebab shop. Police believe the final attempt was successfully intercepted before it could be carried out.

Azari’s relationship with the Alameddines reportedly deteriorated dramatically, leading to a violent breakdown within one of Sydney’s most notorious criminal networks. The second assassination attempt, which took place in Greystanes, led to the shooting death of Dawood Zakaria. This incident prompted New South Wales Police to act swiftly by establishing Taskforce Falcon, a dedicated unit of over 100 detectives tasked with dismantling the escalating internal feud.

Since its formation, Taskforce Falcon has charged hundreds of individuals linked to the ongoing gang violence. Originally focused on the fracturing within the Alameddine clan, the taskforce’s efforts have expanded in recent months to address new conflicts involving the group.

A fresh feud has emerged between the Alameddines and a rival faction known as the Coconut Cartel. Police allege that the cartel’s alleged co-leader, Iziah Utai, is also a former Alameddine associate who is currently believed to be residing overseas. Authorities contend that Utai continues to orchestrate operations against his former allies from abroad, intensifying the underworld hostilities.

The sequence of events involving Azari, including the multiple assassination attempts and the subsequent rise of Taskforce Falcon, highlights a rare level of violence and complexity within Sydney’s criminal landscape. Law enforcement continues to monitor and respond to these developments amid concerns over further escalations between entrenched crime groups.