Kazem Hamad seems out of reach to Australian authorities.

Illicit tobacco ‘cartel’ created by exiled kingpin to monopolise black market

An agreement has been reached to allow once-warring illegal tobacco syndicates to unite under the control of Kaz Hamad.

  • Chris Vedelago

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Kazem “Kaz” Hamad in about 2015.

‘Kaz tax’ hike:Illegal tobacco kingpin doubles his extortion fee to $5000

The “Kaz tax” is a protection payment extorted from tobacconists allowing them to sell illicit cigarettes smuggled into Victoria.

  • Chris Vedelago
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Defence contractor under police investigation over threat to bomb Burgertory outlet

A social media post under the profile of an army veteran-turned-defence industry expert suggested parking bombs outside a restaurant owned by prominent Palestinian activist Hash Tayeh.

  • Chris Vedelago
Tony Mokbel leaves court on Friday.

‘Tony started the underworld’:The original gangland crime boss who survived and,eventually,beat the system

Gone from the streets but clearly not forgotten,news of Tony Mokbel’s release spread like wildfire throughout Melbourne’s underworld. But the reaction might not be what you think.

  • Chris Vedelago,Erin Pearson andMarta Pascual Juanola
Tony Mokbel leaves court on Friday.

Drug kingpin to fugitive to free man:Mokbel walks after 18 years behind bars

The drug kingpin will wear an ankle bracelet,report to police daily and be subject to a curfew after three Court of Appeal judges released him on bail.

  • Erin Pearson andChris Vedelago
Tony Mokbel arriving to court on Tuesday.

Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel wants to taste freedom for the first time in 18 years

If released,Mokbel will be free for the first time since 2007,when he was famously arrested in Greece disguised in a wig.

  • Erin Pearson andChris Vedelago
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CCTV footage of attempted extortion of tobacco shop.

Tobacco war at ‘turning point’ thanks to informers,say police

Victoria Police says the public,as well as members of a tobacco crime syndicate,are starting to co-operate with officers.

  • Chris Vedelago
Sarah Tricarico was charged by Victoria Police on Thursday.

Gangland lawyer no longer has law licence,regulator says

Solicitor Sarah Tricarico,who has acted for Tony Mokbel in his fight to have his convictions quashed,is charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

  • Chris Vedelago andErin Pearson
Sarah Tricarico was charged by Victoria Police on Thursday.

Melbourne gangland lawyer charged with attempting to pervert justice

Solicitor Sarah Tricarico,whose clients include druglord Tony Mokbel,was arrested on Thursday as part of an investigation linked to an international law enforcement sting.

  • Chris Vedelago andErin Pearson
Police in December during their campaign for better pay and conditions.

Cops and dobbers:Dissident police social media group prompted complaint to IBAC

A senior constable was investigated after setting up a rival Facebook group to the official police union page during a bitter campaign over wages and conditions.

  • Chris Vedelago