smh.com.au
Hamad Doubles Extortion Fee for Illegal Tobacco in Victoria
Underworld kingpin Kazem "Kaz" Hamad increased his monthly extortion fee for illegal tobacco retailers in Victoria, Australia, from \$2000 to \$5000, collecting over \$1 million monthly by late 2023; this follows a two-year campaign of violence involving arson, shootings, and murders.
- What are the long-term implications of Hamad's dominance over Victoria's illegal tobacco market for law enforcement and the broader community?
- Hamad's extortion scheme highlights the lucrative nature of the illegal tobacco trade and the potential for further violence as he consolidates his control. The escalating payments suggest future price increases for illegal cigarettes and potential expansion of his criminal activities into other areas.
- How does Hamad's organized crime syndicate operate its extortion scheme, including the roles of various members and methods of payment collection?
- The "Kaz tax" demonstrates Hamad's successful monopolization of Victoria's illegal tobacco market. The extortion, initially \$2000, rose to \$3000 and then \$5000, reflecting his increasing power. This resulted in over \$1 million monthly in extortion payments by late 2023 from hundreds of shops.
- What is the impact of Kazem Hamad's increased extortion fees on the price of illegal cigarettes and the overall illegal tobacco market in Victoria?
- Kazem "Kaz" Hamad, an Iraqi underworld kingpin, has more than doubled his monthly extortion fee for illegal tobacco sellers in Victoria, Australia, to \$5000. This follows a two-year violent campaign to consolidate control of the black market. The increase reflects Hamad's growing dominance and the high profits from illicit tobacco sales.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Kazem Hamad as a powerful and dangerous figure, emphasizing his control over the illegal tobacco market and the violence associated with his operations. The headline, while not explicitly stated in the prompt, would likely focus on Hamad's extortion and violence, reinforcing his villainous image. The repeated use of terms like "underworld kingpin," "extortion," and "firebombed" contributes to this negative framing. While it uses sources like police and underworld figures, these sources might share a bias due to their personal or professional position.
Language Bias
The language used is consistently negative and sensationalistic. Terms like "underworld kingpin," "extortion," "firebombed," and "brazen new crime syndicate" are emotionally charged and contribute to a biased portrayal of Hamad and his activities. Neutral alternatives could include 'gang leader,' 'illegal payments,' 'shops were set on fire,' and 'newly formed criminal organization.' The repeated references to violence reinforce a negative perception of the situation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criminal activities of Kazem Hamad and his gang, but it lacks information on the broader context of the illegal tobacco market in Victoria. It doesn't explore the reasons behind the high demand for illegal cigarettes, the role of regulatory bodies in combating the issue, or the potential societal impact of the illegal trade beyond the violence. While acknowledging limitations of space, the omission of these perspectives limits the reader's ability to fully understand the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between legal and illegal cigarettes, with little exploration of the nuances within the illegal market itself. It doesn't discuss potential motivations of shop owners who sell illegal cigarettes, such as economic hardship or lack of access to legitimate wholesale channels. The framing simplifies the issue by focusing solely on the criminal aspects, neglecting any complexities that might exist.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on the actions of male figures involved in the criminal network. There is no mention of women's involvement in the illegal tobacco trade, either as perpetrators or victims. This omission reinforces a gendered stereotype of crime being predominantly a male activity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes a criminal syndicate extorting money from small businesses, exacerbating economic inequality. The extortion, reaching \$5000 per month per shop, disproportionately affects smaller businesses and pushes them closer to bankruptcy, widening the gap between the wealthy criminals and struggling shop owners. This activity undermines fair economic practices and hinders the development of a just and equitable society.