Hutt Cartel

The Hutt Cartel is a powerful criminal syndicate in the Star Wars universe, primarily made up of the Hutt species. The Cartel operates in the Outer Rim Territories but has influence throughout the galaxy. Known for their involvement in illicit activities such as smuggling, gambling, and the slave trade, the Hutt Cartel is a force to be reckoned with. Its influence spans individual criminal enterprises to entire planetary governments.

At the head of the Hutt Cartel is the Grand Hutt Council, a collective authority of the most influential and powerful Hutt families. The council makes decisions on overarching strategies and directions for the Cartel's operations. It meets on the Hutt homeworld of Nal Hutta or in the floating palace of the de facto leader, often the eldest and wealthiest Hutt.

Despite engaging in various criminal activities, the Hutt Cartel maintains a uniquely complex and structured organization. They often use legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal operations, creating a sophisticated network that can be difficult for authorities to penetrate. This makes the Hutt Cartel not only a criminal organization, but also a shadow economy that quietly influences the galaxy’s commerce.

The Hutts themselves are biologically unique. They are hermaphrodites, reproducing asexually, and are often characterized by high physical resilience and longevity of several centuries. They are also known for their cunning and ruthless business practices, bargaining skills, and love of excess, all of which contribute greatly to their successful criminal Empire.

The Hutt Cartel is known for its main role in the "Star Wars: The Old Republic" game as one of the significant non-playable factions. It has also been mentioned or featured in various Star Wars novels, comic books, and animated series. Throughout these mentions, the Hutt Cartel symbolizes the pervasive shadow of crime and corruption in the Star Wars universe, demonstrating that power can be maintained through fear, wealth, and treachery.

Despite its notorious reputation and often unsavory methods, the Hutt Cartel has sometimes been seen to cooperate with the Republic and other galactic entities when it suits their interests, adding a layer of complexity to their involvement in galactic politics. However, their primary motivation always remains wealth and power, and they won't hesitate to backstab allies if it serves their interests.