Mahmood Fazal is one of Australia’s most respected investigative journalists, renowned for his in-depth reporting on crime, fringe movements, and social issues. From a challenging early life and involvement with the Mongols Motorcycle Club to becoming a Walkley Award-winning reporter at ABC’s Four Corners, Fazal’s career reflects resilience, transformation, and a commitment to uncovering stories that matter. His work combines rigorous research with narrative storytelling, providing audiences with rare insights into complex and often hidden aspects of Australian society.
Early Life and Background
Fazal grew up in Victoria, Australia, and is of Afghan-Australian heritage. His formative years were shaped by the social repercussions of the September 11 attacks, which significantly affected Muslim communities across Australia. These experiences influenced Fazal’s understanding of identity and belonging, themes that would later underpin much of his journalism.
In his early adulthood, Fazal was a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, an outlaw bikie gang. His time within this subculture exposed him to organised crime and violence, providing him with a unique perspective on criminal networks and underworld dynamics. These experiences, while controversial, would later inform his investigative work and give him insights few journalists possess.
Transition to Journalism
After leaving the motorcycle gang world, Fazal pursued higher education and entered the field of journalism. While specific details about his academic background remain private, it is verified that he is university-educated.
Fazal began his professional career at VICE, serving as a senior staff writer and hosting the documentary series Violent Times, which explored violent subcultures and criminal environments. His reporting style combined immersive fieldwork with careful research, establishing him as a journalist capable of handling complex, high-risk subjects.
Contributions to Media
Beyond broadcast reporting, Fazal has contributed to major publications, including The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Rolling Stone, The Monthly, Meanjin, The Saturday Paper, and i-D. His work covers topics such as organised crime, extremism, social justice, and institutional failures, consistently providing context and depth to issues often underreported by mainstream media.
Investigative Work at ABC
Fazal joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2021, initially working as an investigative reporter for ABC Radio National’s Background Briefing. He later became a reporter for Four Corners, Australia’s flagship investigative current affairs program. Four Corners has a long-standing reputation for exposing scandals, systemic failures, and major social issues.
At Four Corners, Fazal has investigated sovereign citizen-style groups, examining how these movements challenge legal authority and operate through pseudo-legal structures. His reporting highlighted the potential societal risks posed by these groups and explained how such ideologies gained traction among disaffected individuals.
Fazal has also contributed reporting on organised crime networks, focusing on drug operations, gang conflicts, and the social consequences of criminal activity. These investigations often involve both fieldwork and interviews with experts, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Notable Projects and Podcasts
Fazal is known for his podcast work, including the Audible Original series No Gangsters in Paradise, which explored historical gang conflicts in Sydney. The podcast was praised for its depth and narrative storytelling, earning recognition from Media Diversity Australia and a shortlist nomination for Best Documentary at the Australian Podcast Awards.
In 2025, Fazal co-hosted a true-crime podcast titled Word on the Street with independent journalist Ryan Naumenko. This project drew public attention due to an ABC internal review to ensure compliance with policies on external paid work. The review confirmed that payments were directed to production costs, and the podcast was subsequently discontinued. There were no criminal charges or legal findings against Fazal arising from this matter.
Awards and Recognition
Fazal’s work has been formally recognised with several awards. He has won a Walkley Award, one of Australia’s highest honours for investigative journalism, reflecting the impact and quality of his reporting. In addition, Media Diversity Australia has acknowledged his contributions to reporting on marginalised voices and complex social issues. His podcasting work has also received national recognition, highlighting his versatility across media formats.
Memoir
Fazal is currently writing a memoir, scheduled for publication by HarperCollins. The book is expected to explore his life journey from early experiences and gang involvement to investigative journalism, offering insights into the motivations, ethics, and challenges behind his reporting.
Reporting Style and Themes
Fazal’s journalism is defined by thorough research, contextual analysis, and narrative immersion. He focuses on issues that intersect crime, law, and social dynamics, highlighting systemic challenges and the human impact of marginalisation. His work consistently combines evidence-based reporting with storytelling that brings complex issues to a broader audience.
Career Impact
Through his work at ABC, contributions to major publications, and podcast projects, Mahmood Fazal has established himself as a leading investigative journalist in Australia. His reporting informs public understanding of crime, extremism, and systemic social issues. His career reflects resilience and transformation, demonstrating how lived experience combined with rigorous journalism can uncover complex truths.
Conclusion
Mahmood Fazal’s journey from his early life in Victoria, through involvement in outlaw biker culture, to becoming a Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist illustrates a remarkable transformation. His work at ABC’s Four Corners, his contributions to major publications, and his podcast projects continue to shed light on crime, extremism, and social inequities in Australia. Fazal’s career underscores the value of investigative journalism in uncovering truths, amplifying underrepresented voices, and providing Australians with a nuanced understanding of complex societal issues.
FAQs
Who is Mahmood Fazal?
Mahmood Fazal is a Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist working for ABC’s Four Corners program in Australia.
What areas does he report on?
He focuses on crime, organised gangs, extremist movements, fringe groups, and social issues in Australia.
Which media outlets has he contributed to?
Fazal has written for The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Rolling Stone, The Monthly, Meanjin, The Saturday Paper, and i-D.
Has he received any awards?
Yes, he has won a Walkley Award and recognition from Media Diversity Australia for his investigative journalism.
Has he done podcasting?
Yes, he produced the Audible Original podcast No Gangsters in Paradise and co-hosted Word on the Street.
Was he ever involved in gangs?
Yes, he was formerly a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club before transitioning to investigative journalism.
Is Mahmood Fazal under any legal investigation?
No criminal charges have been made against him. ABC conducted an internal review regarding compliance for his external podcast work.
Is he writing a book?
Mahmood Fazal is currently writing a memoir scheduled for publication by HarperCollins.
