Arabic version: ملازمون يتحركون لملء فراغ السلطة في كارتل حماد

According to ABC News, Kazem Hamad’s arrest in Iraq in January and his subsequent life sentence have not stopped violence linked to his 313 syndicate, also known as The Commission, across Victoria and other parts of Australia.

Hamad, deported from Australia after a heroin trafficking conviction, had been one of the figures competing for control of Victoria’s illicit tobacco market. Authorities had hoped his arrest would disrupt the cartel, but attacks on tobacco stores continued in Mooroopna, including rammings and firebombings after his detention.

The Australian Federal Police says members of the cartel fought internally after Hamad’s arrest, creating a power vacuum. Police allege his younger brother Maytham Hamad and cousin Ahmed Al Hamza were among alleged underbosses. Maytham Hamad is awaiting trial in Western Australia on allegations involving more than $1 million in proceeds of crime and an illegal tobacco syndicate.

Investigators also allege Majib Alibadi and Ali Al Khafaji helped preserve the group’s hold on the black market. Alibadi has been committed to stand trial in the County Court after police alleged he administered an encrypted group chat used by the Hamad brothers to give him direct orders.

Police say the syndicate has expanded this year into clubs, bars and restaurants. This month, officers arrested Jesse Hadchiti at his Essendon family home, alleging he recruited low-level foot soldiers for arsons and extortions. Detectives also arrested a 19-year-old man from Fraser Rise on Friday after raids across Melbourne, seizing drugs, a Porsche SUV, steroids and mobile phones.