Alleged Australian tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad arrested in Iraq
New mugshots of Melbourne's alleged tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad under arrest in Iraq have been released today by the Australian Federal Police.
Hamad, accused of launching the city's tobacco war, was arrested by Iraqi authorities investigating drug trafficking before being moved to a secret location.
He has been described as "one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world" in a press release from Iraqi law enforcement officials.
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Accused Melbourne tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad has been arrested in Iraq. Australian Federal Police
They accuse him of being linked to crimes including "shootings, murders, kidnappings, violent assaults, extortion and drug imports".
The AFP accuse the 41-year-old of pulling the strings of the illegal tobacco trade in Australia since he was deported to the Middle East in 2023.
Hamad's crime syndicate is believed to be operating in five Australian states and one territory.
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.
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Kazem Hamad, shown here under arrest in Iraq, is accused of being behind Australia's tobacco war. Australian Federal Police
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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