Brother of Alleged Tobacco Kingpin Denied Bail in Interstate Racket Case
Maytham Hamad, the sibling of alleged gangland boss Kazem Hamad, has failed in his bid to secure home detention bail, with a judge expressing concerns about allowing his return to the Western Australian community. The 31-year-old was remanded in custody in November after being charged with knowingly dealing with $1 million or more in crime proceeds, linked to an illicit tobacco and money laundering network spanning WA, Victoria, and New South Wales.
Charges and Allegations
Mr Hamad is accused of overseeing a sophisticated operation involving stores in Armadale, Byford, High Wycombe, and Medina. Authorities allege he sent cash profits interstate using nominee accounts, encrypted messaging, and postal deliveries. Between August and September, police intercepted nine parcels containing approximately $1.7 million in proceeds of crime, with further claims that over 45 parcels totaling more than $8 million were sent to Victoria.
He has yet to enter a plea on the serious Commonwealth charge and has been focused on bail applications in recent court appearances. Additionally, Mr Hamad is undertaking civil proceedings against the WA Commissioner of Police over the confiscation of his luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, valued at over $200,000, along with two Lamborghinis and other high-end items seized as part of a national investigation into fire bombings and shootings in WA.
Court Proceedings and Suppression Order
On Friday, Supreme Court of WA Justice Bruno Fiannaca refused Mr Hamad bail, citing reasons that cannot be made public due to a broad suppression order prohibiting the publication of evidence or submissions. Mr Hamad appeared via videolink from the maximum-security Casuarina Prison, initially appearing upbeat and giving a thumbs-up when asked if he could hear the proceedings, but seemed downcast upon the judge's decision.
Justice Fiannaca stated, "I have come to the conclusion bail should be refused," highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the potential risk to the community. This case is part of a larger investigation into organized crime activities in the region, with connections to interstate operations.
Family Connections and Broader Context
Mr Hamad's older brother, Kazem Hamad, was arrested in Iraq in January, adding another layer to the family's alleged involvement in criminal enterprises. The Hamad brothers are central figures in what authorities describe as a tobacco wars network, with ongoing legal battles and asset seizures underscoring the scale of the alleged racket.
The denial of bail reflects the court's stance on serious financial crimes and the need to prevent further illicit activities while proceedings are underway. As the case continues, it draws attention to the challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime across state borders.
