In a significant crackdown on organized crime, police have arrested ten individuals connected to Kazem 'Kaz' Hamad's illicit tobacco syndicate during early morning raids in Melbourne, severely impacting his multimillion-dollar operation.

For the first time since the tobacco conflict erupted in March 2023, Detective Inspector Graham Banks publicly named Hamad, highlighting the ongoing violence linked to the syndicate.

The ongoing tobacco war has escalated dramatically, resulting in over 100 firebombings and three murders, including the recent tragic death of professional boxer Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim.

This violent conflict also led to the heartbreaking death of Katie Tangey, a burlesque artist, who was killed in a mistaken arson attack tied to the tobacco disputes.

Among those arrested are crew members who allegedly delivered extortion notes to tobacco shop owners, demanding protection payments under the threat of violence.

Concerns have been raised regarding the involvement of young people in these serious crimes, as some are reportedly being recruited by acquaintances.

Of the ten arrested, eight individuals aged between 16 and 26 are set to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 20, 2025.

In recent efforts to combat the violence, police intervened to prevent two planned firebombings related to the extortion activities.

The police operation also uncovered significant evidence, including 10 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, 6,000 vapes, firearms, and other materials used in the extortion scheme.

Hamad is estimated to extract nearly $1 million a month from about 1,300 tobacco retailers in the state, controlling a substantial quarter of the market.