The Australian Federal Police have unveiled new mugshots of Kazem Hamad, who is suspected to be Melbourne’s notorious tobacco kingpin, following his recent capture in Iraq.
Hamad, who is alleged to have ignited a tobacco conflict in Melbourne, was detained by Iraqi authorities amid investigations into drug trafficking activities. He has since been transferred to an undisclosed location for security reasons.
In a statement from Iraqi law enforcement, Hamad is labeled as “one of the most dangerous wanted men globally.”
He faces accusations related to a litany of serious offenses, including involvement in shootings, murders, kidnappings, violent assaults, extortion, and drug smuggling.
The AFP claims that the 41-year-old has been orchestrating Australia’s illicit tobacco operations from the Middle East ever since his deportation in 2023.
It is believed that Hamad’s criminal network extends across five states and one territory within Australia.
The AFP investigation into Hamad and his syndicate, Operation Carmen, continues.
It’s also alleged he’s behind dozens of firebombings that have been terrorising businesses across the country.
The AFP says it is supporting the Iraqi investigation and has sent officers to the Middle East to help them as recently as last week.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett says the capture of Hamad has disrupted his crime syndicate and should be a warning for Australia’s underworld.
“Due to Hamad’s arrest, a lack of leadership, infighting, and dysfunction within the syndicate is creating new opportunities for investigators attached to Operation Carmen,” she said.
“The AFP will use every partnership, capability, and legislative power to dismantle this dangerous syndicate and identify every single individual who is linked to this crime gang.”
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