Fire destroys gangland boss’s Docklands restaurant

A Melbourne Docklands restaurant has been set alight twice in three days by suspected arsonists.

New Quay restaurant, Karizma, is owned by underworld boss Fadi Haddara, one of the bosses of the Haddara crime family.

The family is known to have links to wide-scale drug trafficking, illegal tobacco importation and violence.

While no one was injured and dozens of residents had to be evacuated from the above apartments, Karizma was destroyed in the suspected firebombing.

Police are investigating the fire, which they suspect could be linked to a battle for control over Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade. However, it is not yet clear why the restaurant has been targeted.

The current tobacco wars in Melbourne have seen more than two dozen arson attacks across the city.

The first fire to rip through Karizma occurred on November 18. Sixty people were evacuated from apartments upstairs.

In the latest incident on Monday morning, 40 residents were evacuated.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.“It was terrifying last night. I don’t know that I’ll sleep the next few nights,” one resident said.

The woman said the foyer was filled with thick smoke. The interior was blackened and there were several shattered glass doors hanging off their hinges.

If anyone has any information they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Jonathan Jackson, 20^th November 2023