Brother of Kaz Hamad arrested in WA anti-money laundering operation

On Wednesday, a WA Police media release alleged Maytham “operated an organized criminal enterprise, moving illicit tobacco profits interstate and obtaining large cash sums through cash-only sales using nominated accounts, encrypted messaging and postal deliveries” between February and September 2025.

“WA Police believe the violence at Perth tobacco shops is linked to the man’s alleged illegal tobacco operations and investigations are ongoing.”

Kazem Hamad quickly rose to become one of the country’s most powerful organized crime players, relying on a “cartel” he created to control the multibillion-dollar illicit tobacco market after a two-year war of incendiary bombs and gunfire.

The 41-year-old man allegedly controlled his operation in Iraq using a network of trusted lieutenants, often relatives or long-term accomplices.

“The Hamad organization is responsible for many serious crimes such as arson and extortion.” [and] A police intelligence report from 2024 states that the shootings were linked to the illicit trade in tobacco, as well as the import and distribution of illegal tobacco.

At a press conference on Wednesday, WA Police’s Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker said police “have a pretty good picture”. [Maytham’s] his lifestyle and what he does.”

“I’m certainly not driving around in a Lamborghini and living a luxurious life, that’s for sure,” Baker said.

“It seems pretty unfair to me that good, hardworking members of society are doing tough jobs in a tough economy and there’s a union out there making a good living profiting from illegal tobacco. That’s not cool. We won’t tolerate it.”

Baker said investigations are ongoing into the encrypted communication devices the organization used to communicate without being detected by investigators.

“There are a number of options available to us from our partners and as WA Police and we will certainly be bringing out all the toys to make sure we are maximizing the information that can be held on these devices,” Baker said.

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