‘I’m stunned’: Reporter lifts lid on arrest of Melbourne tobacco kingpin

The man allegedly behind Melbourne’s tobacco wars has been arrested, with reports exiled crime boss Kazem Hamad has been detained in his native Iraq.

Law and justice editor, Chris Vedelago, broke the story in The Age this morning, and told Jimmy Bartel and Mark Allen he’s “stunned” with the big development.

“I never actually thought it would happen,” Mr Vedelago said.

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Investigative reporter with The Age, Richard Baker, then weighed in, stating the arrest is “really significant”.

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“I reckon it’s going to send a bit of a shock wave throughout people who think they’re safe overseas,” Mr Baker said on 3AW Breakfast.

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