Police executed a search warrant at Hamad’s home on Tuesday in the well-heeled southern Perth suburb of Mount Pleasant, where they seized more than $1 million in luxury items, including two Lamborghinis and designer fashion.
“It seems fairly unfair to me that you have good hardworking members of the community doing it tough in a difficult economy and this syndicate is out there and profiting from illicit tobacco and living the good life,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker, the officer in charge of the transnational serious and organised crime squad, during a press conference on Wednesday.
“It’s just not on. We’re not going to tolerate it, and we’re not going to make any apologies.
Baker said the syndicate’s reach was “significant”.
“Serious crimes that fuel organised networks, such as money-laundering and illicit tobacco distribution, threaten community safety. WA Police has zero tolerance for these activities and will continue to target those who profit from crime,” he said.
“Our message is clear, if you engage in illicit organised criminal activity, expect to be caught. WA Police will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure these criminal enterprises are shut down.”
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Baker said more charges could potentially come from further investigations.
Maytham, 31, is the brother of Kazem Hamad, who police allege has been trying to expand his monopoly of the illicit tobacco trade to WA, following firebombings and shootings at several Perth stores in recent months.
Police allege Kazem is calling the shots within the family crime syndicate from the Middle East after being deported from Australia in 2023.
East coast authorities also continue to watch Kazem closely, after it was suspected he played a role in the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, allegedly to curry favour with the Iranian regime.
Victorian Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said Maytham’s arrest was an important step in cracking down on alleged “organised crime” they believed was funnelling drugs and dirty money across the country.
“Yesterday’s arrest in Western Australia represents a significant step for law enforcement in targeting the proceeds of crime generated by the illicit tobacco market,” he said.
“Illicit tobacco has fuelled unspeakable violence and crime in our communities, and the joint investigation into this criminal syndicate is just another step in our efforts to dismantle their illicit operations.
“We are never talking about just illicit tobacco. Irrespective of the commodity, police will continue to target organised crime both locally and nationwide.”
Prior to appearance, Maytham Hamad was on bail on nine other charges allegedly committed in South Hedland, Northam, Kalgoorlie and Perth between January and June last year.
They relate to dealing with the proceeds of crime and possessing prohibited tobacco products.
Hamad was remanded in custody over the charge heard in court on Wednesday, although his lawyer said he would seek to apply for bail next week.
He is back in court on November 24, where his other nine charges will also be heard.
with Chris Vedelago
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