A notorious underworld figure linked to Victoria's tobacco wars has been arrested in Iraq on behalf of Australian authorities. Kazem “Kaz” Hamad was detained by Iraqi officials for alleged drug trafficking, according to a statement from Iraq’s National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner, Krissy Barrett, confirmed that the agency had been working to locate the alleged offender, whom she described as a “number one target” and a “national security threat”. She said the AFP provided information to Iraqi authorities late last year, leading to an independent arrest after their own investigation.
Barrett stated that the arrest represents a “significant disruption” to the alleged criminal’s enterprise in Australia. She thanked Iraq’s National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation for their assistance. The Victoria police chief commissioner, Mike Bush, also welcomed the news, noting that the force would continue to work with partners to combat organised crime.
Iraqi authorities allege that Hamad is responsible for importing large quantities of drugs into Iraq and Australia, as well as smuggling heroin. They further claim he is involved with organised crime gangs in Sydney involved in shootings, murders, kidnappings, and extortion.
Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade has been marked by a series of arson attacks and violent conflicts between outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern organised crime groups. The AFP had previously identified Hamad as a person of interest in the investigation into an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.
