Sydney gangland war's disturbing crossfire casualties trend continues
Bungled assassinations and death by association have become more frequent in Sydney's underworld war as a potential sixth innocent victim is killed in the past 18 months.
In the past year and a half, Sydney's underworld has seen six innocent victims killed in connection with gangland tensions, marking a disturbing trend. Just a day after the latest victim, Marco Tapia, was shot dead in a mistaken identity incident, police believe another person in his 40s was ambushed after picking up children from a school.
The 41st murder attributed to underworld violence since 2020 over the city's drug trade has once again tragically claimed a civilian life. Superintendent Simon Glasser warned that the wrong person has been shot by these offenders. The shooting took place at a home with two children inside, highlighting the city's ongoing pattern of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The recent violence is believed to stem from feuding organized crime groups, particularly the Coconut Cartel and the Alameddine crime family. Police allege that hit-men have been making mistakes due to wrong addresses, similar names, appearance, or death by association. Premier Chris Minns cancelled some of his plans during a trade mission in India to receive a briefing on the latest shootings, while Police Minister Yasmin Catley detailed the model being used by crime networks in Sydney, which include bringing in people who commit crimes without understanding the consequences.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook noted that Sydney's gangland scene has entered a new era of disorganised crime, with underworld figures putting contracts for murder and intimidation on the open market, often accepted by inexperienced young people.
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