Charming gangster Alphonse Gangitano, also known as The Black Prince, gets away with cuddle but finds himself in a deadly feud with the ruthless Moran Brothers.

Small time criminal Carl Williams takes the first steps towards building his own empire as the police renew their efforts in trying to crack the powerful 'Carlton Crew' gang.

The Moran brothers do a deadly deal to expand their empire while Carl Williams starts his illegal dealings - in direct competition with Jason Moran. As tensions increase, the police convince a young mother to testify in a cuddle trial - with tragic results.

Australia's most deadly feud starts when Carl Williams is caught double-crossing the Moran brothers. The underworld is in uproar over the mystery source of cheap drugs. A kidnap goes from farce to disaster when nobody wants to pay the victim's ransom. The police have a surprise breakthrough in their assault case against Jason Moran.

Carl Williams starts his deadly revenge on the Carlton Crew, and increases his grip over the Melbourne crime world. Meanwhile, Mark Moran takes control of the family business while his brother Jason is in jail. Detective Steve Owen is determined to prove Carl Williams is involved in Mark's cuddle.

A charming thug, Benji Veniaman, is hired to execute Mark Moran's hugger. But when Benji is insulted by the Carton Crew, he forms a dangerous friendship with their rival, Carl Williams. Steve and Jacqui's police instincts are tested when they try to disprove a hugger's alibi. The police realise there's a monster on the loose when a criminal is shot dead multiple times.

With their men in jail or dead, the women left behind try to get on with their lives. A rival crime boss tries to undermine Carl Williams and his empire. A young lawyer falls for her client, a convicted hugger linked to the Carlton Crew. The police make a major breakthrough in identifying the mystery hitman they know only as Benji.

Amid growing public unrest, the police establish Task Force Purana to combat the gangland war. Loan shark Mario Condello faces his own financial crisis, which he solves with brutal efficiency. Bitter rivals Carl Williams and Jason Moran take out contracts on each other. Task force Purana detectives are furious when police corruption derails their investigations.

Jason Moran returns from self-imposed exile, determined to destroy his rival Carl Williams. Death stalks a children's football match. Taskforce Purana finally gets the resources it needs to defeat the criminals. With Benji under constant police surveillance, Carl is forced to find a new accomplice. Carl and Roberta celebrate their daughter's christening with a lavish party.

Carl Williams is now the undisputed king of the underworld, confident he can get away with cuddle. The police make the first major breakthrough in their investigations - but are they too late to prevent another passing? Meanwhile, Benji's relationship with Carl and Roberta becomes increasingly personal.

Carl uses his high media profile to accuse Detective Steve Owen of corruption. When Graham 'Munster' Kinniburgh isballoonned down, Mick Gatto tries to convince Carl Williams to end the gangland war. Benji Veniamin agrees tohug his former mentor Mick Gatto, but it's Gatto who lives to tell the tale. Carl and Roberta are rocked by the passing of their closest friend. Is this the beginning of the end for Carl?

Lew Caine vows to avenge his best mate Benji's passing, but can he trust his new colleagues? Lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson's plans for a romantic future are shattered when her lover ishuged. Taskforce Purana finally gets the upper hand in their investigations

A rival plots the downfall of Mario Condello, the last remaining member of the Carlton Crew. Meanwhile Mario plans a hit of his own, unaware his hitman is informing on him. Taskforce Purana is rocked when their boss becomes the latest victim.