Kingpin jailed, empire fractures

Kazem Hamad, who controlled an international crime syndicate, was sentenced to life imprisonment in Iraq earlier this year for drug trafficking. His jailing has triggered infighting across his criminal network.

Deputy moves to seize power

Ali al-Huseini, a key lieutenant, has launched an ambitious plan to take control of Hamad's street crews and billions of dollars in illicit profits. He allegedly orchestrated attacks from Iraq after fleeing there in 2022.

Cousin jailed in Qatar

Ahmed al-Hamza, Hamad's underboss and cousin, has been jailed in Qatar under unclear circumstances. A federal law enforcement source said his incarceration fuelled a resurgence in violence on home soil.

“Al-Hamza was a stabiliser through being ruthless. Now that there's a power vacuum, there's infighting and jockeying that al-Hamza's incarceration can't control.”

Brother awaits trial in Perth

Maytham Hamad, Kazem's brother, is awaiting trial in Western Australia on charges of dealing in the proceeds of crime. He remains a key figure in the fractured syndicate.

Street crews fuel the violence

Al-Huseini controls street crews, many with minor members, known as the 313s or Shia Boys. These crews have allegedly carried out the Hamad cartel's bidding since Victoria's tobacco wars erupted in 2023.

Five murders linked to the war

At least five unsolved murders are being attributed to the underworld war. Hawre Sherwani was shot dead in January last year. Sam Abdulrahim was killed days later in a Preston hotel basement car park.

Hamad's own associates targeted

Athan Boursinos was executed in Melbourne's outer-north in July last year.Ali Albadri was gunned down in front of his family in Wollert last month.

Underworld turns on al-Huseini

Two sources claimed the 23-year-old al-Huseini could no longer be trusted with his power and wealth.

“He is worse than Kaz. Once Kaz got locked up he tried to take it all over. He wants all the coin and power.”

Empire collapses without strongman

A federal law enforcement source said Hamad's empire was collapsing because he had eliminated all his competent competitors. The syndicate was held together by fear, and once the strongman was removed it fell apart.

“It was held together by a man who instilled fear, like those two-bit dictator countries. Once the strongman goes it collapses like a house of cards.”

Violence spreads beyond Melbourne

Several hundred firebombings, along with extortions and murders, have been linked to the tobacco turf war that began in Melbourne but has since spread interstate. The violence continues as the power struggle intensifies.