Coconut Cartel: Crime-for-Hire Network Targeted by Police After Shooting & Arson
Sydney, Australia – A newly identified criminal network calling itself the “Coconut Cartel” is under intense scrutiny from New South Wales (NSW) police, following a series of escalating incidents including shootings, arson, and alleged threats. Two men have been charged in connection with a car fire linked to the group, as authorities investigate its alleged involvement in a crime-for-hire operation.
The heightened police activity comes amid rising tensions in Sydney’s underworld, culminating in the shooting of former National Rugby League (NRL) player Matt Utai. While Utai himself is not accused of any criminal involvement, police believe he was caught in the crossfire of a conflict stemming from the alleged criminal associations of his son, Iziah Utai.
According to police, the Coconut Cartel has “given themselves” this name and is believed to be involved in orchestrating criminal activities across Sydney. Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Abdy stated the group is a “violent criminal organisation” engaged in “crime-for-hire.”
The investigation began following a car fire on in Guildford, a suburb in western Sydney. Emergency services responded to reports of a Toyota SUV ablaze, discovering signs referencing the Coconut Cartel left at the scene. Video footage of the fire circulated on online platforms frequented by underworld figures, prompting concern from police about the increasing trend of alleged crimes being publicly documented.
On , police executed a search warrant in Daceyville, leading to the arrest of Isaac Mar-Tuvunivono, , and subsequently, Nadan Moore, . Mar-Tuvunivono faces multiple charges, including possession of an unauthorised pistol, destruction of property by fire, and participating in a criminal group. He appeared in Blacktown Local Court and was remanded in custody, with a scheduled return on .
Moore has been charged with destruction of property by fire and participating in a criminal group and is also scheduled to appear in court.
The arrests are part of “Strike Force Helston,” a dedicated police unit established to “suppress escalating violence and investigate a series of alleged threats and incidents linked to the syndicate,” according to a police statement. The formation of the strike force underscores the seriousness with which NSW authorities are treating the emergence of the Coconut Cartel.
The conflict appears to involve a rivalry with the Alameddine crime family. Following the shooting of Matt Utai, a video surfaced online showing an individual firing shots at a home in St Clair, reportedly linked to Utai’s family, and making direct threats against both the Utai family and the Coconut Cartel. Shortly after, Iziah Utai’s home in Guildford West was set alight, with a voice heard in the background proclaiming “Here’s the start of the destruction brother.” Both the Utai home and a barbershop owned by Iziah Utai had previously been targeted in separate incidents last year.
To date, six individuals have been charged in connection with the Matt Utai shooting and related incidents, including the car fires and the shooting at a residence. A -year-old man and a -year-old boy have been charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting of Utai.
Police are investigating potential links between Iziah Utai and the Coconut Cartel. Superintendent Abdy noted a concerning trend of criminals utilizing online platforms to record and disseminate footage of their alleged crimes, facilitating the spread of intimidation and potentially inciting further violence. “We’ve all seen there’s an escalation in [recording and distributing videos of crimes] there’s certain platforms giving them that ability,” he said.
Authorities have issued a warning to underworld figures involved in orchestrating violence, emphasizing that they will not remain beyond the reach of law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.