Key Takeaways
- Kazem Hamad, a 41-year-old gangland boss, was arrested in Iraq due to an official request from Australia.
- Hamad is accused of "shootings, murders, kidnappings, violent assaults, extortion, and drug imports" and is considered one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world.
- The arrest was a result of cooperation between Australian and Iraqi authorities, with Australian law enforcement pushing for action against Hamad for over a year.
- Hamad’s alleged involvement in ordering the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne and the death of an innocent woman contributed to the Australian government’s decision to act against him.
- Despite his arrest, Hamad’s empire is expected to continue operating, with his cousin and second-in-command, Ahmed Al Hamza, potentially taking control.
Introduction to Kazem Hamad
Kazem Hamad, also known as "Kaz," is a notorious gangland boss who has been making headlines in recent years due to his involvement in various crimes, including shootings, murders, kidnappings, and drug trafficking. In 2023, Hamad was deported from Australia to Iraq, where he continued to run his transnational crime empire. Despite his physical absence from Australia, Hamad’s influence and control over the country’s underworld remained significant, with his crew waging a turf war for control of the illicit tobacco trade.
The Power of Kazem Hamad
Hamad’s power and influence are evident in the fact that he was able to evade arrest and prosecution for so long. In one instance, he was pulled over by an Iraqi police officer during a traffic stop, and a search turned up a handgun and a grenade. However, a phone call was enough to have him released with an apology from the police. This incident highlights the level of corruption and influence that Hamad has in Iraq. Additionally, Hamad’s wealth, which is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, has allowed him to create a cartel that dominates the multibillion-dollar illicit cigarette market in Australia.
The Arrest of Kazem Hamad
In a surprising turn of events, Iraqi authorities arrested Hamad on Tuesday, in response to an official request from Australia. The arrest was a result of cooperation between Australian and Iraqi authorities, with Australian law enforcement pushing for action against Hamad for over a year. The arrest is seen as a significant blow to Hamad’s empire, but it is unlikely to mark the end of his influence and control over the underworld. Hamad’s cousin and second-in-command, Ahmed Al Hamza, is expected to take control of the syndicate in his absence.
The Investigation and Extradition
The investigation into Hamad’s activities was led by the Australian Federal Police, with assistance from the Iraqi authorities. The case against Hamad is significant, with allegations of shootings, murders, kidnappings, and drug trafficking. The extradition process is expected to be complex, with Australia and Iraq relying on a 1930s extradition treaty between Iraq and the United Kingdom. The treaty has been incorporated into Australian law, and it is likely that Iraqi authorities will decide whether to prosecute Hamad for any crimes alleged to have been committed in Iraq before any extradition to Australia.
The Future of Kazem Hamad’s Empire
Despite Hamad’s arrest, his empire is expected to continue operating, with Al Hamza potentially taking control. Hamad’s wealth and influence have allowed him to create a network of loyal soldiers and lieutenants, many of whom are drawn from family and a common Iraqi background. It is unlikely that Hamad’s arrest will mark the end of his influence and control over the underworld, and it is possible that his empire will continue to operate with minimal disruption. The Australian authorities will need to continue to work closely with their Iraqi counterparts to ensure that Hamad’s empire is dismantled and that justice is served.