Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Iraqi Arrest of Man Wanted by Australia
Iraqi officials have arrested a man named Kazem Hamad, who is wanted by Australian police.
This man is suspected of being involved in several serious crimes in Australia, including setting fires on buildings and a synagogue.
Australian police had asked for help from Iraqi authorities to catch him.
The man was previously convicted of drug crimes in Australia and was sent back to Iraq in 2023.
Australian officials believe he is a big threat to their country's security.
They also think that some of the attacks might have been planned by a group from Iran.
Iraqi officials arrested Kazem Hamad, a man wanted by Australian Federal Police, as part of a drugs investigation.
Hamad is a person of interest in the investigation into arson attacks in Australia, including an antisemitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett identified Hamad as her 'Number One priority' due to his alleged criminal activities.
Hamad was previously convicted in Australia for drug trafficking and was deported to Iraq in 2023.
Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador in August 2024 after linking the funding of the synagogue attack to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Who
- Kadhim Malik Hamad Rabah al-Hajami (Kazem Hamad)
- What
- Arrest by Iraqi officials on behalf of Australian Federal Police
- When
- January 14, 2025
- Where
- Iraq
- Why
- Investigation into drugs and arson attacks, including an antisemitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue
- Arrested Individual
- Kadhim Malik Hamad Rabah al-Hajami (Kazem Hamad)
- Arresting Authority
- Iraq’s National Center for International Judicial Cooperation
- Requesting Authority
- Australian Federal Police
- Reason for Arrest
- Drugs investigation and involvement in arson attacks
- Australian Federal Police Commissioner
- Krissy Barrett
- Notable Incident
- Antisemitic attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne
- Deportation Year
- 2023
- Iran's Involvement
- Funding traced to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
