In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Australia’s criminal underworld, Kazem “Kaz” Hamad — the deported Melbourne figure long accused of masterminding the violent illicit tobacco trade — has been arrested in Iraq. The news, confirmed on January 13-14, 2026, marks a significant escalation in international efforts to dismantle one of the country’s most notorious alleged crime networks.From Melbourne Streets to Iraqi Custody Hamad, born in Basra, Iraq, in 1984, migrated to Australia as a teenager in 1998. His criminal history dates back to his late teens, with his first arrest in 2001. Over the years, he built a reputation tied to serious offences, including a conviction for heroin trafficking that led to an eight-year prison sentence. Released in July 2023, he was promptly deported back to Iraq due to his revoked Australian citizenship.
Since his deportation, Australian authorities — including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) — have alleged that Hamad continued to direct operations from abroad. He is described as a central figure in Melbourne’s so-called “tobacco wars,” a brutal turf battle over the multibillion-dollar black market for illegal cigarettes. Police link him to:
- Dozens — potentially hundreds — of firebombings targeting rival tobacco shops and businesses.
- Extortion schemes, including the infamous “Kaz tax” imposed on operators.
- Links to serious violence, including the murder of rivals and other gangland incidents.
More controversially, Hamad has been publicly named by AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett as a national security threat, with suspicions of involvement in the December 2024 firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne — an attack allegedly carried out in coordination with Iranian interests.
The Arrest: Details and International Cooperation According to statements from Iraq’s National Center for International Judicial Cooperation, Hamad (full name: Kadhim Malik Hamad Rabah al-Hajami) was detained in a coordinated operation involving the country’s General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs. Iraqi authorities described him as “one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world,” accusing him of importing large quantities of drugs into both Iraq and Australia, as well as heroin smuggling.The arrest reportedly came in response to an official request from Australian law enforcement, though Iraqi officials emphasized it stemmed from their own independent investigation. The AFP has welcomed the development but has not confirmed active extradition proceedings, with sources suggesting challenges due to Iraq’s political and judicial landscape.
The underworld reaction has been swift and speculative. Some sources describe the arrest as “unreal,” with whispers that Hamad’s empire could crumble without his direct oversight. Others question whether his loyal network of family and associates — many sharing Iraqi heritage — will maintain control over the lucrative illegal cigarette market, where products can be sold at half the price of legitimate brands while yielding massive profits.Key uncertainties remain:
- Will Australia successfully extradite Hamad, or will he face prosecution in Iraq?
- How will this impact ongoing firebombings and violence in Victoria and beyond?
- Could this mark the beginning of the end for the “tobacco wars,” or is the black market too entrenched to collapse?
For now, Hamad’s arrest represents a major win for law enforcement on both sides of the globe. Whether it truly dismantles his alleged transnational crime enterprise — or simply shifts power to new players — only time will tell.This story continues to develop rapidly. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from Australian and Iraqi authorities.