Doubts crime boss will ever be extradited from Iraq
Allanah Sciberras |
Australian authorities could face a long wait to extradite an exiled underworld boss linked to a gangland tobacco war after he was arrested in the Middle East.
Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad has been arrested for drug trafficking, according to a statement from Iraq’s National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation.
His arrest marked a significant disruption to an alleged serious criminal and his criminal enterprise in Australia, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.
It’s unclear when, or even if, the crime boss will face justice on Australian soil.
Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina described the extradition process as complex, noting Australia does not have a direct treaty with Iraq.
Instead, extradition relies on inherited UK treaties established in 1933.
“It’s not very strong,” he told AAP on Wednesday.
“The concern here is that drug trafficking in Iraq carries the death penalty. It’s going to be a long and drawn out situation.”
Hamad is believed to have been directing organised crime operations in Australia from the Middle East.
His syndicate is suspected to have been behind high-profile firebombings in Victoria, as it fights for control of importation and distribution of illegal tobacco.
Police revealed in March that several tobacco store owners were intimidated with threats linked to a so-called “Kaz Tax”.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks described it as extortion, saying some shop owners were so concerned for their safety they sold their businesses and changed addresses.
Police also believe Hamad may have been involved in an arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024 and the death of Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim.
Hamad has also been linked to the botched firebombing of a Melbourne apartment which led to the death of Katie Tangey, who was house-sitting for her brother when the three-storey building caught fire.
He was deported from Australia in 2023.
Mr Bezzina said the gangland boss wasted no time getting involved in the illegal tobacco trade after exiting the country.
“The whole black market of cigarettes exploded in 2023,” he said.
“He is the head of an alleged multi-billion criminal enterprise and has had a significant effect on the crime within our borders.
“The arrest would certainly (make) law enforcement agencies in Australia very happy but the fight has just begun to get him back to Australia.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan wouldn’t be drawn on the prospect of Hamad’s extradition to Australia, declaring she did not want to compromise any justice processes.
Victoria Police was determined to drive down organised crime “and the havoc it wreaks on innocent members of the community”, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said while welcoming Hamad’s arrest.
Australian Federal Police have been working with domestic partners to dismantle his criminal network, including targeting Hamad offshore.
The AFP provided information to law enforcement officials in Iraq about him late in 2025.
“Iraqi officials have made an independent decision to arrest this alleged offender after launching their own criminal investigation,” Ms Barrett said.
Iraq’s National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation described Hamad as “one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world”.
The Iraqi body alleged Hamad was responsible for importing large quantities of drugs into Iraq and Australia, as well as smuggling heroin.
“He is also involved with the most prominent organised crime gangs in Australia … responsible for shootings, murders, kidnappings, violent assaults, extortion, and drug imports,” it said.
Iraqi authorities believe he is involved with outlaw gangs that have extensive influence within Australia and the Middle East.
AAP
