Gang crime amongst Pacific Islander youth is rising, many in the community are determined to stop it

Sydney's gangland war has become a political issue, after a string of mistaken identity attacks against innocent people — allegedly committed by young, inexperienced criminals. Police believe the latest chapter is being driven by a power struggle between the Alameddine crime family and the self-proclaimed 'Coconut Cartel', a network of gang members with links to the Pacific Islander community. There are concerns this has increased the vulnerability of at-risk Pacific Islander teens.

"We're very aware of the Coconut Cartel and those groups that are traditionally from a Pacific Islander background," Superintendent Phil Hallinan told 7. "At the moment there has been an increase with Pacific Islander kids being involved in crime.