A deported tobacco cartel kingpin has been urged to dob in the duo who bungled a targeted arson attack allegedly carried out on his behalf, killing an innocent woman.
The unusual police call-out comes six months after Katie Tangey died, along with her family's dog, when arsonists hit the wrong address while she was minding her brother's home at Truganina, in Melbourne's west, in the early hours of January 16.
The attack is believed to have been part of long-running tobacco wars involving criminal groups fighting for control of the illegal market across Melbourne and the rest of the country.
Investigators believe the arson that claimed Ms Tangey's life had the hallmarks of a targeted attack but hit the wrong address, and have promised a $500,000 reward to anyone who can help put the perpetrators behind bars.
They allege the hit was ordered by convicted drug trafficker Kazem Hamad, who they believe is managing an illegal tobacco cartel from Iraq.
Ms Tangey, 27, was a burlesque performer and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police have confirmed.
Six months on, police believe they are close to catching her killers and hope the reward will give them the missing piece of the puzzle and bring closure to her grieving family.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray described Ms Tangey's death as a tragedy and said police would not rest until the two "faceless and gutless" men who carried out the attack were behind bars.
He said police were confident they knew the intended target of the arson attack, and the motive behind it, which they allege involved tobacco kingpin Hamad.
Hamad, who spent eight years in jail for drug trafficking, was deported to Iraq in 2023 but is believed to now lead Melbourne's illegal tobacco cartel, pulling the strings from overseas.
"I can say he's involved ... the illegal tobacco trade is front and centre in relation to why this accident occurred," Det Insp Murray told reporters on Monday.
"We know there was a theft of his commodities, being illegal tobacco, and we know he sought retribution.
"Unfortunately the two buffoons who committed this act targeted the wrong address."
He called on Hamad, who is believed to still be in Iraq, to call police and let them know who was responsible for the death.
"He can get us on the phone and let us know the two individuals who actually did this, they should be held accountable," Det Insp Murray said.
"I think even he would be disgusted as to what has transpired here."
More than 100 tobacco shops and other businesses have been firebombed in the conflict over multimillion-dollar profits, which has also involved attempts to extort individual store owners.
Police in June executed a search warrant at a Dandenong home, seizing a number of mobile phones that are being forensically examined.
In April, police released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may have been involved in the incident.
He is described as 25-30, with a slim build and of Middle Eastern appearance.
The reward will be paid at the discretion of the police commissioner for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Ms Tangey.
The director of public prosecutions will also consider indemnifying from prosecution anyone who provides information.
