Episode Details

In this eye-opening episode of Based Camp, Simone and Malcolm Collins dive deep into the disturbing new reality of modern organized crime. From Iraqi crime syndicates in Australia using Signal and WhatsApp to recruit teenagers for firebombings and extortion, to Mexican cartels (Sinaloa, CJNG) recruiting kids via Fortnite, GTA V, and Call of Duty, this episode exposes how gig-economy crime, encrypted apps, and gaming platforms are transforming criminal operations.

They discuss how minors (as young as 11) are being lured with small payments, status, and “missions,” why this model is so effective, real-world cases, terrorist virtual plotting by ISIS, darknet crime-as-a-service, and law enforcement stings like Operation Trojan Shield. A fascinating (and sometimes darkly humorous) look at how technology has supercharged crime in the 2020s.

Show Notes

We think of consumers and mainstream corporations as embracing remote work and the gig economy, but did you know there are also, for example, Signal groups, labeled “jobs” that Australian kids are using to get quick cash while doing chores and errands (+ the occasional firebombings) for an Iraqi crime syndicate, largely based over 8,000 miles away in Iraq?

This is not just an Australian problem. Mexican Cartels like CJNG (Jalisco New Generation) and Sinaloa are recruiting Fortnite.

The Iraqi Crime Syndicate Terrorizing Melbourne

The Broad Scene

An Iraq-based organized crime syndicate (often linked to figures like Kazem “Kaz” Hamad and referred to as “the Cartel”) is directing or strongly suspected in a wave of extortion, firebombings, shootings, and related violence targeting businesses in Melbourne. This has escalated notably in recent years, especially since around 2023 with the “tobacco wars,” and has expanded into hospitality/nightlife venues in 2026.

* As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald: Kazem Hamad (an Iraqi-born Australian deported in 2023) and associates in Baghdad are alleged to orchestrate operations remotely. Hamad was arrested in Iraq in early 2026 at Australia’s request. Threats and directions come via encrypted apps from overseas. A 23-year-old Australian in Baghdad (linked to Hamad’s network) is also implicated.

* The Guardian reports on how street-level crews (often teenagers or young offenders) are recruited via encrypted messaging apps to carry out attacks. Organized crime figures assign contracts to local “heads of street crews,” who then use youths as foot soldiers for arson, burglaries, or intimidation. Police have arrested numerous teens (some as young as 13-17) in connection with these incidents. This is described as a broader trend of organized crime exploiting youth gangs.

* The violence has grown from tobacco-related turf wars (firebombings, shootings) to broader “alcohol wars” or hospitality attacks in 2026, with dozens of venues targeted. It’s linked to illicit tobacco/drug trades funding larger networks. Police operations (e.g., Operation Eclipse, Carmen) are ongoing, with infighting reported after key arrests. (See The Daily News Now! Podcast from Melbourne News Today).

* Attacks often aim to force businesses (tobacco shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants) to pay “protection” or taxes (e.g., the “Kaz tax”), stock illicit products,