By Hannah Hammoud
Police believe the arson attack that claimed the life of burlesque performer Katie Tangey was ordered by Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, the tobacco kingpin in exile.
Six months after the deadly firebombing that killed Tangey, police have announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Katie Tangey performing. The 27-year-old was killed in a targeted arson attack on January 16.Credit: Facebook
The 27-year-old became the first innocent bystander to die in Victoria’s so-called tobacco wars when killed in a house fire in Dover Street, Truganina, about 2.30am on January 16.
Tangey, who had been house sitting for her brother while he was on his honeymoon, called triple zero to say the home was engulfed in fire.
She and the family’s golden retriever, Sonny, died inside the three-storey townhouse.
On Monday, Detective Inspector Chris Murray said while police believe the attack is linked to Hamad, Tangey was not the intended target.
Tobacco kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad.
Murray said police believed Hamad had hired two people to do the firebombing, but they targeted the wrong address.
Hamad is suspected of directing Melbourne’s tobacco war from overseas after he was deported to his native Iraq in 2023 following an eight-year jail sentence.
“I’m not suggesting that Kaz Hamad deliberately targeted and killed Tangey,” Murray said. “We know there was a theft of his commodities, being illegal tobacco, and we know that he sought retribution.
“This act of retribution and tasking it out to these two individuals has led to the death of Katie … I think even he [Hamad] would be disgusted as to what’s transpired here. “I’m sure he can get us on the phone and let us know [who] the two individuals who actually did this [are]. They should be held accountable.”
CCTV footage released by police shows two people arriving in Dover Street shortly after 2am on January 16 in a dark-coloured SUV, believed to be similar to a BMW X3 or X5.
A doorbell camera at the townhouse also captures the moment the house is engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
A security camera at the Dover Street townhouse captured the moment it was engulfed in flames on January 16.Credit: Victoria Police
Police believe the firebombing was a targeted arson attack, but the offenders struck the wrong home and intended to attack a different unit in the same complex.
“Those responsible for Katie’s death know they targeted the wrong house, and they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman,” Murray said on Monday.
“$500,000 is a lot of money – hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward. Katie’s family deserve answers.
“These people need to be held accountable for the fact they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.”
An image of the man police want to speak to in relation to the fire that killed Katie Tangey.Credit: Victoria Police
Police hope to hear back from a caller who made an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers under the pseudonym or nickname “Sam”.
“We just need that caller to call back and give us some more information,” Murray said.
He said Tangey’s family – who have not spoken publicly since the attack – were traumatised since the death of their daughter, who “rarely ventured out”.
“They are absolutely gutted,” the detective said. “They are just so grief stricken. Our job is to at least bring some closure to their daughter. And we hope to do that – we’re confident in doing that.”
In April, police released a digitally enhanced composite image of a man they wish to speak with. He is described as Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 25-30, with a slim build.
A search was carried out in June at a Dandenong home, where investigators seized several mobile phones. These are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Tangey’s death came after repeated warnings by police that it was only a matter of time before an innocent member of the community was caught in the crossfire, as crime syndicates engaged in a violent tit-for-tat to control the tobacco black market.
The $500,000 reward will be paid at the discretion of Victoria Police’s chief commissioner for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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