Melbourne Arson Arrests: Police Link Overseas Crime Figure to Hos 2026

Police have arrested a man they say orchestrated a wave of Melbourne arson attacks on behalf of a crime syndicate based in the Middle East, marking a major development in the city’s escalating hospitality wars. Detectives claim the arrest is the most significant since an outfit known as “The Commission” – allegedly led by Kazem “Kaz” Hamad – started targeting Victorian tobacco stores three years ago.

Breakthrough in Melbourne’s Hospitality Wars

That spree of arson attacks more recently morphed into violence at licensed venues. “This arrest is the most consequential we have made since the inception of Operation Eclipse,” Det Insp Graham Banks said on Tuesday. “These offences are significant examples of crime as a service – the alleged tasking of kidnapping, home invasion and arson.”

Banks said while Hamad had been detained in Iraq earlier this year, “numerous other members of this syndicate” who were also based offshore were directing offending to further its ambitions in Victoria and other states. He said the “most problematic” of these members was a person based in the Middle East who had an outstanding arrest warrant in relation to the attempted murder of Sam Abdulrahim in 2022.

Key Suspect Arrested: “CommBank” Allegedly Directed Attacks

The Melbourne man arrested on Tuesday, who was allegedly known as “CommBank” on an encrypted app that was used to task offenders to carry out attacks, was also considered a high-ranking member of the organized crime group. “Despite his relevant young age, there is intelligence that suggests he’s a very significant part of the organized crime group,” Banks alleged. “He self-described … as just an ordinary kid who goes to the gym and runs an empire from his home.”

The 20-year-old, Jesse Hadchiti, was arrested in the city’s north-west on Tuesday. He was charged with offences, including aggravated home invasion with an offensive weapon.

Comparison of Key Figures in the Syndicate

How Organized Crime Targets Hospitality Venues

This case highlights a dangerous trend where organized crime syndicates use arson and intimidation to control markets. The methodology, described as “crime as a service,” involves tasking local offenders with violent acts. Here are key takeaways from the investigation:

• Arson attacks on tobacco stores have escalated to licensed venues like bars and clubs.
• Encrypted apps are used to coordinate attacks and evade law enforcement.
• Offshore leaders direct operations, making arrests challenging.
• Police believe this syndicate has ambitions to expand beyond Victoria.

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