Hamad remains in custody at a secret location in Iraq, with the AFP confirming it is actively supporting the Iraqi investigation by sharing operational intelligence linked to crimes the force believes were committed or directed in Australia.
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.
The Iraqi man played a key role in a syndicate responsible for organising the transportation of people on a fishing boat, known as Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel (SIEV) X.
“The wicket was not that easy. Sometimes, you have to believe and focus on your strengths. I was watching the ball, sticking to my strengths and running as much as possible”
By Sheikh Hasina, Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh
“There were no voters at the polling stations, yet there were votes on the counting tables!”
On...
