Police exploring drug theft links to fatal Sydney pub shooting
Maradona Yalda, 31, was seriously injured when he was shot several times outside the Harold Park Hotel in Forest Lodge on Sunday night. Yalda's associate, Gilbert Shino, 39, was killed after being peppered with bullets as he tried to flee the shooting.
Yalda was shot in the neck, chest and abdomen. He was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Witnesses reported hearing between six and 12 gunshots before multiple suspects were seen fleeing.
A police source familiar with the investigation into the shooting told the Herald that detectives were exploring Yalda's suspected involvement in a drug theft as a possible motive for the targeted attack. While other lines of inquiry are being followed, the attack is believed to be linked to the drug trade.
Sources previously said Maradona, who is believed to have returned to Australia from Dubai days before the shooting, was aware of threats to his life. It is not known whether he had travelled abroad because of the threats.
Yalda has long been linked to Assyrian organised crime gangs in Sydney's west, including DLASTHR – or 'The Last Hour' – and is known to authorities for a range of alleged offending tied to the groups.
Yalda, Shino and three other associates had been at the hotel since about midday, watching an Ultimate Fighting Championship event. Shino was known to police through his associations with Assyrian organised crime gangs, but not for serious offending linked to the groups.
Relatives on Monday paid tribute to Shino, who police believe was 'collateral damage' in the attempt on Yalda's life.
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