Frank Hakim - The Lebanese Godfather

The text details the rise and fall of organised crime in Australia, focusing on the prominent Lebanese criminal Frank Hakim and his successor Louis Bayeh. Hakim's success stemmed from his extensive network of corrupt police contacts, enabling him to operate numerous illegal gambling clubs and avoid prosecution. Bayeh inherited Hakim's criminal empire, escalating the violence and drug trade. The era witnessed a surge in gang violence before significant police reforms and stricter laws weakened organised crime syndicates, leading to arrests and deaths amongst the criminal leadership. The passage highlights the evolution of organised crime, the impact of police corruption, and the eventual crackdown on these activities.