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Brother of Kaz Hamad Charged in WA–Victoria Joint Probe Into Alleged Illicit Tobacco Laundering

The case stems from a months-long cross-border investigation that alleges a parcel cash network moving millions.

Overview

  • Maytham Hamad, 31, was arrested in Perth and charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime valued at more than $1 million.
  • He appeared in Perth Magistrates Court, was remanded in custody, and is due to return on November 24.
  • WA Police say nine intercepted parcels between August and September held about $1.7 million in cash, with a further 45 parcels to Victoria allegedly carrying more than $8 million.
  • A search of his Mount Pleasant home seized more than $1 million in luxury items, including two Lamborghinis and designer fashion.
  • Operation Charger, run with Victoria Police’s Lunar Taskforce, alleges he oversaw Perth retail outlets to generate cash-only illicit tobacco profits and links the network to a spate of arson, damage and firearm attacks on stores.