Hutt–Imperial treaty

After the Sith Empire's return to the known galaxy, Imperial representatives brokered a treaty with the powerful Hutt Cartel. The agreement stipulated that as the Empire grew in power and territory over the course of the Great Galactic War and Cold War, the Hutts would be allowed to maintain their sovereignty and neutrality, provided neither they nor any inferior clans or subsidiaries work to further the interests of the Galactic Republic&mdash;the Empire's primary nemesis in the wars.

The treaty benefited both parties until around 3,643 BBY, when three Hutt families violated its terms and worked alongside Republic researchers on the planet Quesh to manufacture adrenal stimulants. The Empire discovered the operation, forcing the Cartel to label the three families as traitors and join the Sith in an assault on Quesh.