Deadly botched firebombing tied to tobacco war kingpin Kaz Hamad

One of Australia’s most feared underworld figures has been linked to a botched attack that killed an innocent woman in Melbourne.

Katie Tangey, 27, died inside her brother’s home in the west Melbourne suburb of Truganina in an arson attack police say was carried out on the wrong address. Ms Tangey performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale. Picture: Facebook

You can now listen to The Australian's articles. Give us your feedback.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles.

Melbourne’s most feared crime boss, Kazem (Kaz) Hamad, has been linked to the botched firebombing attack at a house in Melbourne’s west that killed an innocent young woman.

Victoria Police has revealed the exiled tobacco ringleader, believed to be living in Dubai, had ordered the Truganina home be firebombed on January 16 this year.

The attack killed 27-year-old Katie Tangey, who was house-sitting her brother’s three-storey townhouse on Dover Street at the time of the explosion.

Hamad has become one of Melbourne’s most powerful underworld figures after being deported from Australia to Iraq in mid-2023, igniting the tobacco war that has been linked to at least three murders, numerous shootings and more than 130 firebombings.

From exile, he is alleged to orchestrate “the tobacco wars,” extorting up to $1 million monthly by forcing illegal tobacco retailers to pay a “Kaz tax” ($2 000/week) under threat of arson or violence.

Exiled tobacco kingpin Kaz Hamad, right, shared a tribute for slain drug dealer Kadir Ors, left, who was shot dead by jailed crime boss George Marrogi in 2016.

Police offered a $500,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the “faceless and gutless” suspects Hamad allegedly ordered to carry out the firebombing.

It’s alleged the offenders struck the wrong home and intended to target a different unit in the same complex.

At a press conference on Monday, Detective Inspector Chris Murray confirmed that Hamad was involved in ordering the attack as he sought retribution following the theft of his illicit commodities.

Detective Inspector Murray said that Hamad was able and welcomed to make contact with police to provide information about who was ordered to conduct the attack.

“In fairness, I think that even he will be disgusted as to what’s transpired here. If he’s got any sense of decency I’m sure he would,” he said.

“I’m sure he can get us on the phone and let us know the two individuals who actually did this.

“I’m not going to call him, but if he wants to contact us I’m sure he can do that.”

At the time of the incident, Tangey managed to call triple 0 as the fire tore through the home, but she and her dog were unable to escape.

Hamad reclines on a sports car while on bail about a decade ago.

CCTV footage captured two people exiting a dark-coloured BMW SUV – believed to be an X3 or X5 – before the home was set ablaze and the pair fled the scene. One of the men was seen carrying a jerry can.

Police confirmed in February the incident was connected to the underworld dispute, and that Tangey had no involvement in the tobacco trade.

“We know we’re one phone call away from cracking this investigation,” Detective Inspector Murray said.

He said police were “absolutely confident” of the motive of the attack, but would not be drawn on the alleged target.

“I’m six months into the investigation now and what I can say is this … hes, he (Hamad) is involved,” he said.

“From the information we have … the illegal tobacco trade is front and centre in relation to why this incident occurred.

“We know that there was a theft into his (Hamad’s) commodities, being illegal tobacco, and we know that he sought retribution.

“I’m not suggesting that Kaz Hamad deliberately targeted and killed an innocent girl, Katie Tangey, I’m not suggesting that. What I’m saying, though … his act of retribution and tasking out these two individuals has led to the death of Katie.”

Police in April released a digitally enhanced composite image of one of the suspects, a man described as Middle Eastern in appearance, aged 25-30, with a slim build.

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

Investigators have also received anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers, including one caller who provided the pseudonym “Sam” for the alleged offender.

Police are now making a public appeal for that person to make contact again and provide further details.

The reward will be paid at the discretion of the Police Chief Commissioner for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The Director of Public Prosecutions may also consider granting indemnity from prosecution for anyone who helps identify the principal offenders.