Listen to the conversation between Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad and Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim

Sam Abdulrahim was told by an exiled tobacco kingpin that he was “lucky” to be alive. Watch the exchange between the two gangland identities.

Slain gangland figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim traded blows over the phone with exiled tobacco kingpin Kazem “Kaz” Hamad in the lead-up to his execution.

The Herald Sun has obtained footage of the underworld identities purportedly taunting one another.

Abdulrahim, who was gunned down in the car park of a Preston Hotel on Tuesday morning, can be heard joking with his long-time enemy during the argument.

In an ironic jibe, Abdulrahim taunts Hamad about the failed attempts on his own life.

Kazem Hamad is a long-time enemy of Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim. Picture: Supplied

“Hey, I’m still alive brother. Eight shots later and I’m still alive,” Abdulrahim told Hamad.

Hamad, believed to be speaking to Abdulrahim over the phone from somewhere in the Middle East, replied: “You’re lucky. Luck, luck, luck”.

Abdulrahim was referring to a murder attempt at his cousin’s funeral in June 2022, where several assailants infiltrated the service to track the 32-year-old’s movements before shooting him eight times, including in the chest, as he left Fawkner cemetery.

A third person, believed to be travelling in a car with Hamad as the call takes place, suggests to Abdulrahim that he is being watched.

“You can’t protect yourself, my brother,” he said.

“I’m gonna stand over you.”

Sam responded: “I can protect myself. None of your boys are anywhere to be seen down here”.

Sam Abdulrahim was heard joking with Hamad during the phone call.

They also debate what is understood to be extortion prices to be imposed on smoke shop operators in Victoria.

The exact date of the call is unclear, but the pair can be heard laughing as Kaz says: “You’re offering two grand a week, and a hundred grand”.

Abdulrahim then responded with: “You’ve got too much, give me some money”, before Hamad sarcastically replied: “I’m doing it hard”.

Hamad has dominated Victoria’s fiery illicit tobacco wars from the Middle East, where he has been living since he was deported last year after serving jail time for high-level drug trafficking offences.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting he is responsible for Abdulrahim’s death.

Homicide detectives continued to swarm High St in Preston on Tuesday afternoon as Abdulrahim’s loved ones descended on the site of his brazen daylight execution.

A white Porsche was seen speeding away from the car park of the Quest hotel where Abdulrahim was shot in front of his girlfriend, who escaped the ambush unharmed.

The car was found torched less than a kilometre from where Abdulrahim was killed.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Listen to the conversation between Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad and Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim