# Tobacco Cartels Funnel Cash Offshore

> Tobacco cartels use hawala and private ATMs to move millions offshore, evading taxes and law enforcement.
- Title: Tobacco Cartels Funnel Cash Offshore · Abc | Shortify
- Summary: Tobacco cartels use hawala and private ATMs to move millions offshore, evading taxes and law enforcement. Australian tobacco cartels, led by Kazem Hamad…
- Keywords: tobacco, hawala, private atms, kazem hamad, commission, illicit tobacco, australian, dubai, money laundering, tobacco wars, news, politics
- Source: Abc — https://abc.net.au/news/2026-10-09/how-australian-tobacco-cartels-funnel-cash-offshore/107232058
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: tobacco, hawala, private atms, kazem hamad, commission, illicit tobacco, australian, dubai, money laundering, tobacco wars, news, politics
## Tobacco Cartels' Secret Cash Flow
Australian tobacco cartels use sophisticated networks to send black market profits overseas through private ATMs and hawala systems.
## Kazem Hamad's Role
Jailed Iraqi kingpin Kazem Hamad allegedly reaps riches via a secret pipeline used by terrorists to move cash from illicit tobacco sales.
## The Bagman's Network
An Iraqi asylum seeker acts as a bagman, collecting cash from shops and funneling millions to Dubai through hawala dealers.
## Hawala System Explained
Hawala transfers money without physical movement, using trust networks between dealers to bypass banks and authorities.
## Terrorist Exploitation
Terrorist groups and cartels exploit hawala for instant, untraceable transfers of large sums without physical cash movement.
## Private ATMs in Use
Cartels refill private ATMs with cash to act as mini-banks, moving untraceable funds through the system.
## Al Dilami Family Link
The Al Dilami family in Queensland is linked to illicit tobacco through the bagman, who collected cash from their tobacconists.
## Bagman's Court Case
The bagman pleaded guilty to dealing with crime proceeds but denied active involvement, claiming the money was from legal tobacco sales.
## Tobacco Tax Pressure
Federal law enforcement sources say cutting tobacco excise would hinder cartels but could increase smoking rates and health risks.
## Government Response
The Albanese government introduced laws to punish illegal tobacco importation, closing 61 stores and seizing $500,000 in cash in Victoria.
## Why It's Hard to Stop
Cartels view illicit tobacco as low risk and high profit, with government actions targeting small players but not the bosses.
## Illicit Tobacco Dominance
Black market tobacco accounts for 80% of all tobacco consumed in Australia, controlled by Hamad's network.
## What Happens Next
Authorities struggle to disrupt the chain, as cartels continue to funnel millions offshore despite government efforts.
## Key takeaway

Australian tobacco cartels, led by Kazem Hamad, funnel illicit profits through hawala networks and private ATMs to Dubai, bypassing taxes and authorities.