Ten arrested for extortion linked to Hamad's syndicate

Police have arrested ten people, including a member of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Club and a 16-year-old, for extortion linked to Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad’s tobacco syndicate. This marks a significant development in the ongoing tobacco war. The arrests occurred during coordinated raids in Melbourne, where police seized 10 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, firearms, and extortion notes. Authorities believe these individuals were involved in collecting protection payments from tobacco shop owners. Hamad is estimated to control a large portion of the tobacco market, extorting nearly $1 million monthly. The police have intervened to prevent recent firebombings related to the syndicate's activities.