Perth brother of exiled crime boss has luxury cars seized after police bust alleged ‘commercial-scale’ tobacco ring

The brother of Victoria’s “tobacco king” has faced a Perth court accused of operating a “commercial-scale” operation running dirty money and illicit tobacco across three states while helping run a family crime syndicate.

Maytham Hamad appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime to the value of more than $1 million, between February and September this year in Mount Pleasant.

Maytham Hamad coming out of Perth Magistrates Court following a previous appearance.

Hamad was charged as a part of a joint investigation by WA and Victorian police forces named “Operation Charger”, following extensive inquiries into his alleged organised crime activities across WA, Victoria and NSW.

In a statement, WA Police said the operation began in July after violence stemming from the sale of illicit tobacco spread from Victoria to Western Australia.

While investigating 11 alleged incidents of arson, criminal damage and firearm attacks linked with the trade over the course of a month, officers alleged they found Hamad had been running a scheme involving the commercial-scale distribution of illicit tobacco and money laundering across three states.

“The man allegedly oversaw a retail network of stores in Armadale, Byford, High Wycombe and Medina,” the WA Police statement said.

Hamad allegedly ran the enterprise through the stores, moving illicit tobacco profits interstate, and generating large cash sums through cash-only sales, using nominee accounts, encrypted messaging and postal deliveries.

Police intercepted nine packages that contained about $1.7 million between August and September.

It is alleged a further 45 parcels sent to Victoria contained more than $8 million, with each holding between $155,000 and $220,000.

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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