Crime boss Kazem Hamad linked to Truganina house fire that killed Katie Tangey

Exiled crime kingpin Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad has been implicated in the tragic death of Katie Tangey, who died when arsonists linked to the tobacco wars firebombed the wrong house.

Exiled crime boss Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad has been implicated in the innocent house fire death of Katie Tangey in Truganina in Melbourne’s west.

The naming of Hamad, a key player in Melbourne’s tobacco wars, came as police offered a $500,000 reward to find those responsible for the arson attack that claimed the life of Ms Tangey.

Ms Tangey died in January after the townhouse she was house-sitting was firebombed by criminals who went to the wrong address.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray on Monday named Hamad as orchestrating the fatal blaze.

“I’m six months into the investigation and what I can say is yes, he is involved,” he said.

“We know there was a theft of his commodities, being illegal tobacco, and we know that he sought retribution.

“Unfortunately, the two — who I can only say are two buffoons — targeted the wrong address.”

Inspector Murray added: “I’m not suggesting that Kaz has deliberately targeted and killed an innocent girl, I’m not suggesting that. What I’m saying, though, is that this act of retribution and tasking it out to these two individuals has led to the death. That’s what I’m saying. So yes, he’s involved, absolutely.”

Katie Tangey (left) is an innocent victim of Melbourne’s tobacco war. Picture: Facebook

CCTV of an arson attack that claimed Ms Tangey’s life. Picture: Victoria Police

It is the first time Hamad has been linked to the fire.

The commentary was made as police announced a $500,000 reward for any information about the incident.

And in a fresh twist, a key element in the police inquiry is an anonymous phone call made to Crime Stoppers in which police were provided a name.

Police are now calling on this person to contact them again.

Mr Murray said the name provided to Crime Stoppers was Sam.

“We don’t know if that’s the Christian name, an anglicised name, a nickname,” he said.

“We just need that person to call back and give us some more information in relation there.”

Kazem Hamad (left) at the footy with Toby Mitchell. Picture: Instagram

The townhouse Ms Tangey was house-sitting was destroyed. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Inspector Murray said the $500,000 reward was targeted at the criminal fraternity.

“We hope this half a million dollar reward will grab people’s attention,” he said.

“Moreover, this is not a general call of the community, but those within the criminal fraternity. That’s the community where we’re targeting, and we hope there’s half a million dollars worth of reasons for them to come forward.

“We know there’s people out there who know what has happened here. These two faceless and gutless individuals that carried out this attack, we just need some names to those faces.”

The fireboming

Ms Tangey died at the Truganina townhouse on January 16 in a botched firebombing carried out by criminals who went to the wrong address.

She had been minding the property for her brother who was away.

The family’s dog, Sonny, also perished in the dead-of-night torching.

Thirty minutes earlier, CCTV captured two men get out of a BMW X3 or X5 parked nearby.

A significant explosion then occured and the pair left the area, police said on Monday.

The townhouse was destroyed in the resultant inferno.

The BMW was then seen travelling north on Forsyth Rd.

“A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene,” police said.

“Over the past six months a significant investigation has taken place to determine the motivation for the attack and who was responsible.”

Inspector Murray said it was a “despicable and horrific crime” and was the most important and prioritised investigation of the Arson and Explosives Squad.

“The illegal tobacco trade is front and centre at why this incident occurred,” he said.

“In fairness, I’d say even he (Kaz) would be disgusted as to what’s transpired here. If he’s got any sense of decency, I’m sure he can get us on the phone and let us know the two individuals who actually did this. They should be held accountable, they should be held responsible, and brought to justice so we can give some closure to Katie’s family.”

He added: “It’s a tragedy. It shouldn't have happened. Our job is to bring at least some closure and I’m confident we will do that.”

An image of the man police want to speak to. Picture: Victoria Police

Arson and explosives squad investigators and Lunar taskforce detectives said the attack was linked to the illicit tobacco trade but was directed at the wrong address.

Neither Ms Tangey or her brother have links to that world.

Police in April released an image of a man they would like to speak to over the tragedy.

That man is described as Middle Eastern, aged 25 to 30 and of slim build.

“Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the image or has any further information on the nickname provided,” a police statement said.

Police also raided a home in Dandenong on 12 June as part of the investigation.

Phone seized in that warrant are being forensically analysed.

“Via anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers police were provided information, including a particular call where a name has been given of a pseudonym or nickname. Investigators are still urging this particular caller to make further contact and provide additional information,” the police statement said.

Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Crime boss Kazem Hamad linked to Truganina house fire that killed Katie Tangey