Australian fugitive arrested in Iraq wanted for firebombings and synagogue attack

Iraqi officials arrested Kazem Hamad, a man sought by Australian Federal Police as a person of interest in firebombing investigations, including an antisemitic synagogue attack. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett identified Hamad as a national security threat and her "Number One priority." Hamad, previously deported from Australia in 2023 after drug trafficking convictions, was arrested in Iraq as part of an independent drug investigation following information provided by Australian authorities. He is also a suspect in arson attacks linked to the tobacco trade.