Iraqi authorities share image of tobacco kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad
A photo of tobacco baron Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, which claims to show him in custody at a secret location in Iraq, has been released by the Australian Federal Police as part of an investigation into the activities of the man who allegedly started the “tobacco war”.
This is the first official information on Hamad’s situation since news of his arrest in Baghdad was announced by the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council in mid-January.
Hamad was labeled “one of the world’s most dangerous wanted men” in a press release announcing his capture by Iraqi authorities for alleged links to “shootings, murder, kidnapping, violent assault, extortion and drug importation.”
The 41-year-old man, of whom no more recent photos have been published from 2015, appears thinner than the few photos that have circulated in the media since the beginning of the tobacco war.
In the photo, Hamad, also known as “old friend” and “Abu Samir,” is wearing a T-shirt and yellow prison garb and holding a sign printed in Arabic with his personal and arrest details.
This imprint was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the image provided to AFP by Iraqi authorities.
It depicts Hamad in front of a height chart, a standard format for mugshots. However, the figures appear to be out of order and scale, suggesting that it could have been up to 9 meters tall.
Other details that raise concerns about the authenticity of the image include Hamad’s hands and the collar of his shirt; This raises the possibility that the image may have been digitally altered or a product of artificial intelligence.
AFP said it had not altered the footage and was not aware of any changes.
The sign in the picture confirms that Hamad, who was born in the city of Nasiriyah, about 360 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, was tried for narcotics crimes.
Since his release from prison in Australia and deportation to Iraq in July 2023, police suspect Hamad and his gang have seized control of large parts of the illicit tobacco market and imposed a new order on Melbourne’s gangland.
The footage came with a warning from AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett to Hamad’s syndicate, known on the street as 313s, Kaz’s Boys or Iraqis.
“I want every criminal with ties to Hamad or his syndicate to take a long, hard look at this photo,” Barrett said. “And I want to be very clear; the AFP is not done just because Hamad is in custody.”
Hamad became the target of a special AFP investigation team known as Operation Carmen.
It follows a two-year operation by Victoria Police, known as Taskforce Lunar, just months after Hamad was released from prison following a series of firebombings, two murders and a string of attacks. attempted gross disrespect It is alleged that he is connected to it.
“The Hamad organization is responsible for numerous serious crimes, including arson and extortion.” [and] A Victoria Police intelligence report obtained by this imprint states that the shootings were linked to the illegal tobacco trade as well as the import and distribution of illegal tobacco.
Barrett said Hamad, whose full name is Kadhim Malik Hamad Rabah al-Hajami, was arrested as a result of the “independent decision” of the Iraqi judiciary.
This marked the first time federal law enforcement officials mentioned Hamad by name, even though he had publicly identified himself as an attacker. national security threat during a Senate estimates hearing last year.
The move came after foreign intelligence linked him to the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in the inner Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea in December 2024. The attack is believed to have been ordered by the Iranian government and carried out by Hamad’s foot soldiers.
AFP also confirmed that Hamad’s organization has a nearly nationwide presence in five states and one district, but their names were not mentioned.
“The AFP is supporting this independent investigation in Iraq and providing operational information regarding crimes that the AFP believes Hamad or his organization committed or directed in Australia,” Barrett said.
Federal investigators traveled to Iraq last week to “provide further assistance” and in return received information from local officials.
Barrett said Hamad’s union had begun to crack since his arrest “due to lack of leadership, infighting and dysfunction.”
“The AFP will use every partnership, capability and legislative authority to dismantle this dangerous organization and identify every single person associated with this criminal gang.”
There is an underworld full of crazy rumors It covers everything about Hamad’s conditions, from allegations of torture to allegations that he was released.
AFP said the photo was taken by Iraqi officials and published with the permission of the Iraqi National Center for International Forensic Cooperation.
Citizens who wish to share information about Hamad or the organization can call the National Security Hotline at 1800 123 400.
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