Iraq Hands Life Sentence to Australia-Based Drug Trafficker

An Australian-based drug trafficker, Kazem Hamad, has received a life sentence from Iraq's judiciary for his involvement in drug trafficking. The National Center for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) announced Tuesday that the Karkh criminal court not only imposed the life sentence but also ordered the confiscation of all Hamad's assets, both movable and immovable.

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a life sentence had been handed down against an individual of interest to Australian authorities

Hamad was deported from Australia to Iraq in 2023. His arrest in January of this year was a direct response to an official request from Australian authorities. The Australian Federal Police confirmed they were informed by the NCIJC that a life sentence had been handed down against an individual of significant interest to them, acknowledging the crucial cooperation with their Iraqi partners.

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is considered one of the most wanted individuals by Iraqi and international judiciaries

The NCIJC identified Hamad as one of the most wanted individuals by both Iraqi and international judiciaries. Authorities allege he smuggled "large quantities of narcotics" into Iraq and Australia. Furthermore, he is reportedly linked to transnational organized crime networks engaged in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, kidnapping, extortion, and organized violence.

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large quantities of narcotics

In February, following a visit to Iraq, Australian police stated they were providing "relevant operational information" concerning Hamad's activities within Australia. At that time, it was believed he was operating across five Australian states and one territory.

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linked to transnational organized crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, kidnapping, extortion, and organized violence