Alleged gangland boss Fadi Haddara has been shot in what Victorian Police are calling a “targeted attack” in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Police and underworld sources told the ABC Haddara was ambushed outside his Altona North home on Marigold Avenue on Sunday evening.

It’s believed he was shot as he sat in a vehicle in the driveway of a property. He was rushed to hospital and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Victorian Police said in a statement: “The 48-year-old man is believed to have been in a vehicle at the time of the shooting. He has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“A crime scene has been established and officers from the Major Crime Scene Unit will attend to process the scene in the morning.

“At this stage the incident is believed to be targeted.”

A crime scene has been established and Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating, police said.

Haddara, allegedly the head of his family crime clan, was once a major figure in the illicit tobacco trade in Melbourne. Since 2024 he had been squeezed out by gangland boss Kazem “Kaz” Hamad.

The Haddaras surrendered their stake in the market following a firebombing and shooting campaign waged by Hamad.

Haddara was charged with multiple gun possession and stolen goods charges by the Lunar taskforce in 2023 but the charges were later dropped.

The 48-year-old was born in Lebanon and moved to Australia when he was six. He worked in security before becoming a prominent figure in Australian kickboxing as a fighter and promoter.

Haddara, second from left, was a prominent figure in Australian kickboxing. Photo: Instagram

In 2015 he was the target of Skyborne, a Santiago Taskforce operation, which concealed listening devices and cameras at his panelbeating shop in Williamstown North.

As a result of that investigation he was jailed for firearms and gun trafficking.

In 2009 his brother, Mohammed Haddara, was killed in a drive-by shooting on Fifth Avenue in Altona North.