The attacks include two recent drive-by shootings targeting the home of an underworld family that runs one of the country's largest tobacco distribution networks, police and underworld sources told the Age. On November 3, a gun battle erupted outside a property in Hadfield, where an 18-year-old suspected of opening fire was believed to have been wounded in return fire. A dump truck was parked in front of the home as a protective screen. Just over a week later, the property was targeted again; by then, it had been abandoned.
Hamad formed a nationwide illicit tobacco cartel in early 2025, uniting manufacturing, importing, distribution and retailing into a single network after a two-year campaign of firebombings and shootings that forced competitors out. The cartel grew to control thousands of shops around the country, charging retailers a monthly 'tax' of about $5000 to sell its discount cigarettes.
'It's a fight over turf. There's no one really in control any more, and it's all breaking down,' an underworld source said.
The current instability has been worsened by the uncertain situation of Hamad's cousin and second-in-command Ahmed Al Hamza, who was arrested in Qatar in late 2025. Two men have emerged as potential power contenders: Ali al-Huseini, a suspected triggerman and alleged commander of the 'bar wars' extortion plot in Melbourne, and Ali Alkhafaji, a close associate of Hamad's brother. Police suspect a 'fight between the two Alis' is driving the violence, with both men directing members from overseas through encrypted communications.
The recent murders are also linked: Hamad associate Ali Mohamad Albadri was shot dead inside his home on October 14, and Elias Serevetas, father of a long-time Hamad associate, was gunned down in Reservoir less than a fortnight later. No arrests have been made. 'Hamad was like the undisputed heavyweight champion. There was always going to be a scramble once it was clear he was gone,' an organised crime detective said.
Police have arrested more than 540 people in operations targeting the tobacco wars, bar wars and the crime-as-a-service ordering system since 2023. More than 144 illicit tobacco shops have been shut down since September under new state powers, according to Tobacco Licensing Victoria. The Commission has expanded to conducting extortions over legitimate businesses and committing acts of violence against innocent family members of gang targets.