An alleged offshore crime figure described by police as a national security threat has been arrested in Iraq following a months-long international investigation led by the Australian Federal Police.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the arrest marked a major disruption to a serious criminal network believed to be causing significant harm in Australia, particularly through organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade and drug importation.
Commissioner Barrett said one of her first priorities after taking office last October was to strengthen the AFP’s global operations, with officers now deployed in more than 30 countries to prevent serious crime before it reaches Australian shores.
“The best way to keep Australians safe is to stop crime at its source, especially when it is being directed from offshore,” she said, adding the AFP would use every lawful tool available to identify and target those responsible.
The man arrested has not been named by the AFP, but authorities have confirmed he is a former Melbourne resident Kazem Hamad who was deported from Australia in 2023 and has been a key figure of interest in investigations into drug trafficking and violent organised crime.
As part of the investigation, AFP officers were deployed overseas to gather intelligence and engage directly with international law enforcement partners. Commissioner Barrett said she also held direct discussions with senior foreign policing officials as efforts intensified to locate and disrupt the alleged offender.
Late last year, the AFP shared intelligence with Iraqi authorities, who then launched their own criminal investigation. Iraqi officials made an independent decision to arrest the man, working through the country’s judicial system and specialist narcotics units.
The arrest was announced by Iraq’s National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation, which alleged the accused was involved in large-scale drug importation, including heroin smuggling, and had links to organised crime groups operating in Australia and the Middle East. Those allegations have not been tested in court.
Commissioner Barrett thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation, saying the outcome demonstrated the importance of strong international partnerships in tackling transnational crime.
“This arrest is a significant disruption to an alleged serious criminal and his alleged criminal enterprise in Australia,” she said.
In Victoria, Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush welcomed the arrest, reaffirming his force’s commitment to working alongside the AFP and overseas partners to curb organised crime and the violence associated with it.
“We are determined to drive down organised crime and the harm it inflicts on the community,” he said.
Australian authorities would not comment on whether extradition proceedings are being considered, citing longstanding policy not to disclose details of such matters while investigations and court processes remain ongoing.
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