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, or comply with demands. Venues have received threats of monthly payments (e.g., around $10,000 reported in some cases) to avoid firebombing. Non-compliance leads to arson or violence. This has caused a surge in arson crimes (e.g., 68% increase linked to tobacco wars).

* Note: The tobacco wars are an ongoing series of violent turf wars between organized crime groups fighting for control of the lucrative illicit (black market) tobacco trade in Victoria, Australia, particularly Melbourne

* According to the Guardian, the conflict intensified around March 2023 after a meeting of key underworld figures failed to agree on controlling prices and distribution of illicit products. This led to a wave of retaliatory violence

* The main fighting parties are several outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Haddara crime family, and Victoria Police (notably Taskforce Lunar) responding to the conflict

* Kazem Hamad has also been linked

* Per the wikipedia entry on this: “The illegal tobacco trade in Australia is highly lucrative due to high taxation on legal tobacco.” (they have some of the world’s highest cigarette taxes)

How the Crime is Organized

* Leadership uses Signal to recruit and assign tasks to local youths in crime networks, including those linked to Kazem Hamad-associated syndicates (the Cartel)

* Teens are ideal recruits because they face lighter juvenile justice consequences

* Tasks are assigned in group chats

* Per the Sydney Morning Herald, one documented example of the group chats was titled “jobs”

* Offers for jobs range from a few hundred dollars to $1,000 to over $20,000 for significant attacks

* E.g. a venue firebombing would get you something more in the $20K range

* The police and media are referring to this as a “CrimeTasker” model (akin to Airtasker, which I guess is Australia’s TaskRabbit)

* They often use whatsapp for the actual extortion demands to business owners after attacks

* So signal = for admin and operational recruitment

* Whatsapp = for PR and comms

* Payment

* Extorted people pay the local gig workers in cash

* Larger syndicate profits (e.g. extortion tax profits, illicit tobacco sales) undergo more sophisticated money laundering

Other Modern Organized Crime

Mexican Drug Cartels (Recruitment and Tasking)

Cartels like CJNG (Jalisco New Generation) and Sinaloa excel at tech-enabled remote operations:

* They post fake job ads (e.g., security guards) on Facebook/Instagram, then shift recruits to WhatsApp/Signal for training and assignments. They also recruit teens via video games (Fortnite, Call of Duty, GTA V) for hitman/sicario roles or smuggling, offering cash incentives.

* HOW IT WORKS

* Per InSight Crime, recruiters (or cartel-linked players) join public multiplayer sessions or lobbies, especially late at night when parental supervision is lower.

* They send direct messages, friend requests, or group invites via in-game chat. Profiles often feature glamorous or intimidating imagery (e.g., bulletproof vests, weapons, cartel symbols).

* Common hooks: Complimenting the player’s skills (”You’re good at this—want to do it for real?”), promising adventure, money, guns, cars, or status. They may frame it as a “job” (e.g., security, lookout) or an “event” like a virtual recruitment drive.

* They play together to build trust

* Then they transition to private chats

* Discord, Twitch, WhatsApp, or Signal)

* Then they exploit vulnerabilities: As ABC4 reports, they target isolated or bored youths, those fascinated by violence/weapons (common in shooter games), or from low-income backgrounds. Promises often include weekly pay (e.g., $200+ for low-level roles like lookouts) and escalation to higher-paying criminal tasks.

* Finally, they escalate

* Once hooked, recruits may receive travel instructions, small initial tasks (e.g., local surveillance), or smuggling runs.

* As InSite Crime reports, Cartels like CJNG, Sinaloa, or Cartel del Noreste (CDN) have been linked to these efforts. Roles start small (messengers, lookouts) and can progress to violence or drug transport.

* EXAMPLES

* The Free Fire Cases (Most Documented, 2021): In Oaxaca, Mexico, three boys aged 11–14 were recruited via Garena Free Fire (a battle royale game similar to Fortnite). A recruiter posed as a peer, offered jobs as lookouts with weekly pay, and bought bus tickets to northern Mexico. Authorities intercepted them. Similar cases involved girls and other minors lured for trafficking or cartel work. Mexican officials highlighted this as a pattern across games.