Hamad family members arrested in attempt to smuggle luxury goods

The wife of notorious crime boss Kazem Hamad, Safa, and her brother have been arrested for attempting to haul high-end luxury goods and cash overseas.

Family members of an illusive and destructive illicit tobacco player have been arrested over luxury and designer watches allegedly being hauled overseas.

Lunar detectives on Wednesday arrested the pair after detectives became aware of high-end luxury goods allegedly being shipped offshore in recent months.

The Herald Sun can reveal investigators questioned Kazem Hamad’s wife, Safa, and her brother as part of an ongoing probe into unexplained wealth.

Hamad, who was deported to Iraq in 2023, is widely regarded by authorities as one of the main drivers of the state’s tobacco warfare in which more than 130 businesses have been torched.

It is understood police arrived at an Altona Meadows address and questioned the pair at Victoria Police headquarters on Spencer St.

Kazem Hamad reclines on a sports car while on bail in 2010, he has since been deported to Iraq. Picture: Supplied

“Taskforce Lunar detectives have made arrests in connection to an offshore illicit tobacco syndicate leader involved in serious and organised crime,” police said in a statement.

“Police are continuing to investigate whether these items were purchased through illicit wealth.”

Detectives allege Safa had been trying to board an international flight in possession of two luxury Rolex watches and men’s clothing.

“A 31-year-old Altona Meadows woman was stopped by ABF officials at the border as she was departing the country on an international flight,” the statement continued.

“ABF officials identified that the woman had two high end Rolex watches with a combined value of approximately $130,000, approximately $10,000 worth of male clothes and $5,000 USD in her possession.

“Further inquiries revealed first and business class plane tickets had also been purchased in cash, valued at approximately $40,000.”

The pair were caught attempting to smuggle high-end luxury goods such as rolexes. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini

Anti-illicit tobacco detectives allegedly seized about $13,000 in cash, two Google Pixel phones and four iPhones from the Altona Meadows property.

The pair were released and are expected to be charged on summons.

It is believed Safa has taken numerous overseas trips to visit her husband since he was deported from Australia to Iraq in 2023.

Hamad has been living in exile and has remained a significant challenge for authorities in Victoria.

Twelve people were in March arrested as part of an investigation into his destructive and powerful organised crime syndicate.

Originally published as Hamad family members arrested in attempt to smuggle luxury goods