‘Throwing everything at it': Police set up taskforce amid gangland war fears
Azari, 26 was in the back seat of a Toyota HiLux travelling on Woodville Road in Granville at 5pm on Sunday when his vehicle was set upon by occupants of a black Mercedes-Benz who fired at least seven shots at the car.
Dawood Zakaria, an alleged Alameddine associate, was shot in the head and is not expected to survive his injuries. Parramatta lawyer Sylvan Singh was also shot, but is in a stable condition in Westmead Hospital.
Azari and Vitukawalu were kept under police guard on the footpath before being led away just after 7pm. Overnight on Sunday, they were each charged with possessing an unauthorised pistol and acquiring a pistol in contravention of firearm prohibition orders that had been previously placed on the pair. The pistol was allegedly found loaded on the front seat of the HiLux.
Opposing Azari's bail application in Parramatta Local Court on Monday afternoon, police prosecutor Ky Jiang said the 26-year-old was at the 'epicentre' of an ongoing 'tit-for-tat feud' between the Alameddine clan and rival organised crime networks.
'This incident was targeted toward Mr Azari,' Jiang told the court.
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'The reason why is his connection and significant holding in the Alameddine [organised crime network].'
Jiang said Azari, who the court heard had reported to Granville police station 15 minutes before the shooting, would commission 'serious offences' if he was released on bail. Under his previous bail conditions, Azari had been required to report daily to police, which Jiang said had made his movements 'predictable'.
'There will be further bloodshed on the streets – the streets will not be safe. And it's because of Mr Azari's standing and holding in the organised crime network,' Jiang said.
Jiang said Azari had 'taken up a senior role' in the Alameddine network and had started travelling with several bodyguards after being targeted in an unsuccessful broad daylight assassination attempt in Brighton-Le-Sands in February. Zakaria, who acts as a bodyguard for Azari, was also targeted and uninjured in the shooting.
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The latest escalation of violence on Sydney's streets has taken on a more sinister character, with several innocent people or minor criminals being targeted in gangland-style killings.
Plumber John Versace, 23, was shot at least four times in the driveway of this Sydney home in an execution-style killing.
Thi Kim Tran, a 45-year-old mother, was abducted by a group of men from her Bankstown home. Her naked body was found in a burnt-out car. Even children have been harmed, with an eight-year-old boy struck in the head with a baseball bat in the course of Tran's abduction.
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ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
The signs and deaths pointing to a renewed gangland war in Sydney's underworld
Crime figures travelling with bodyguards, moving houses and a new police mega taskforce are all signs "the war" is on again. Having seen this all before, NSW Police's squad of detectives are determined that no more bodies — criminals or bystanders — will fill the morgue. Taskforce Falcon, as police have called it, already claimed a win when it located a "kill car" with two guns and a jerry can inside a day after being formed this week. A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with three offences over the discovery, and Detective Superintendent Jason Fox warned of networks recruiting children to carry out their dirty work. "There's obviously financial enticement, word of mouth. They see friends that might be involved of the same age and they think that's a path to go down," he said on Friday. Samimjan Azari avoided bullets in the attack last Sunday night that killed Dawood Zakaria and injured lawyer Sylvan Singh while they waited at the traffic light of a busy intersection in Granville. Mr Azari was charged a day later with possessing a pistol found by police in the car and he was granted bail. It was revealed in court the 26-year-old has spent the last four months with "bodyguards" and had taken up a senior role in the Alameddine crime network. An earlier shooting, in which bullets narrowly missed him and the late Mr Zakaria in February in Brighton-Le-Sands, was the catalyst for his increased security measures. He is not the only one taking extra precautions. The ABC has been told of "multiple" crime figures changing address and travelling in company. Mr Azari is believed by police to have been the target of last weekend's attack, with one theory that he was being followed while he reported for bail with his solicitor Mr Singh. Mr Singh is likely to make a recovery. When contacted by phone, someone at his Parramatta law firm said: "I'm not in any position to give any comment or statement." The door to their office was bolted shut when the ABC attempted to visit this week. Guttural screams were heard on the driveway of a Condell Park property on May 19. The slaying of plumber John Versace outside his family home proved to be the final straw for police attempting to stop feuding gangsters spilling blood on Sydney's streets. The 23-year-old only had a traffic offence on his criminal record with no known underworld connections. A video of the scene moments after the killing was shared online, attracting millions of views. "Oh my god," a woman can be heard wailing in a video. "Who would do this?" a man yells. If no link can be substantiated, his death would be the eighth fatality as either an innocent bystander or mistaken identity of the gangland war since the shootings began in 2020. Police are investigating whether the current conflict centres around an internal struggle between two crime gangs favoured by the Alameddine clan — "Ready 4 War" and "KVT". Ready 4 War has been described in previous court documents as the drug dealing arm of the Alameddine criminal empire. Its leader, Asaad Alahmad, was jailed for more than two years for his role in running the syndicate in 2024. Alahmad was entrusted with the role because he is the brother-in-law of Alameddine family patriarch Rafat Alameddine. KVT are a street gang hailing from Mt Druitt consisting mostly of young Pacific Islander men. They have been strongly linked to a number of underworld crimes police have tied back to the Alameddine crime network. One law enforcement source told the ABC the relationship between the Alameddines and KVT had "seriously soured". The Alameddine crime network leadership fled to Lebanon in 2023 under increasing police pressure leading to the belief they were now "vulnerable in Sydney", the source added. In a war of changing loyalties, rapper and accused Alameddine crime network associate Ali Younes posted a pointed picture to his Instagram this week. In it was himself with Rafat Alameddine and Dawood Zakaria's older brother Masood. "What's understood don't need to be explained," read the caption, followed by a blood drop emoji. Sitting in a suite at NSW correctional centre, Masood Zakaria may watch his brother's funeral from the cell he now calls home. Sources said there were provisions to allow prisoners to attend funerals, but that was highly unlikely for high security inmates currently on remand. Masood Zakaria is currently awaiting trial for a conspiracy to murder plot against rival Ibrahem Hamze in 2021. He was due to appear in the Supreme Court on Thursday via video but did not show in person. Dawood Zakaria may not have been a major underworld player, but wherever his big brother went, so did he. Whether it was photoshoots showcasing their friend Mr Younes, or following him down the gangland path that started with the notorious "Brothers 4 Life". In their heyday, the gang controlled by crime boss Bassam Hamzy struck fear into many on the streets of Sydney. A young relative of the Zakaria brothers was shot when gangsters looking for Masood Zakaria fired through the front door of the government housing property in Blacktown in 2013. He was not home at the time, but when their father opened the door the young child in the home received "over 300 pellet injuries to (the) kidney, throat, liver, spine and lungs", a court would eventually hear. Dawood Zakaria's own foray into crime began as a teenager, court records show. His most serious stint of offending occurred in 2012 when he was charged with a string of armed robberies. He was found not guilty of several charges at trial but was convicted of robbery in company and handed a two-year jail term to be served as an intensive corrections order in the community. Three days before he was shot dead, Dawood Zakaria was due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on a charge of drug possession. He never showed and was convicted and fined $400 in his absence.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Perth Now
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault and will face trial in 2026
Russell Brand pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault in court on Friday morning (30.05.25). The 49-year-old comic was charged last month with five sexual offences, and he appeared at Southwark Crown Court just before the weekend, where he denied one allegation of rape, one allegation of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two further counts of sexual assault, so Judge Tony Baumgartner has now set a trial date for June 3, 2026. Brand left the court shortly after 11am, and said nothing to reporters as he headed towards a Mercedes-Benz to make a sharp exit from the scene. If the TV star fails to attend the trial, it could result in him facing a further charge or being taken into custody. Brand's father Ron was seen attending the hearing, and the comedian himself arrived at court shortly before 10am, but said nothing to journalists who called out his name as he walked by. The indecent assault allegation has seen Brand accused of grabbing a woman by the arm and dragging her off towards male toilets in 2001, and one of the sexual assault charges claims he touched a woman without consent around 2004-2005. The other sexual assault allegation is from a woman, who claimed he touched her breasts without her consent in 2004. The Metropolitan Police began making investigations after receiving allegations from a number of women. The Sunday Times and The Times newspapers, as well as Channel 4's 'Dispatches', also revealed multiple serious allegations against Brand back in 2023. The police subsequently interviewed Brand a number of times, and recently wrote to the comedian to inform him that he was being charged with rape, indecent assault and sexual assault. Brand - who has three children with wife Laura - has denied ever engaging in "non-consensual activity". He recently said in a video posted on X: "What I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in non-consensual activity." Russell also stated that he was looking forward to defending himself in court. Brand - who has developed a huge following on his YouTube channel in recent years - added: "I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court and I'm incredibly grateful for that."
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Cash, cars and contraband: tobacco raids target shops
A fake wall full of cash has been found along with a secret tobacco store in a crackdown on illegal traders. Almost $500,000 in cash and assets including a top of the range Mercedes has been seized after Queensland launched raids on the tobacco black market. Raids were carried out on more than 20 stores across the state's southeast after the shops were fined for selling illegal tobacco but failed to pay the penalties. During one raid, police officers found the shop owner was trying to hide cash behind a fake wall in the back of their store. Another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store. Officers have seized $468,000 in cash and other assets, including a Mercedes AMG and an SUV, during the raids since early May. "Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid," State Penalties Enforcement Registry director Kim Easton said. It comes months after a Queensland Health operation seized more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco. The haul had an estimated street value of $20.8 million. Queensland introduced nation-leading fines for retail store operators who sold illegal tobacco and vapes in April. Individuals can be fined $32,260, up from $3226, and corporations can be slapped with $161,300, up from $16,130. It follows laws introduced in September, enabling authorities to close offending businesses for up to six months - a penalty no other state has introduced. Treasurer David Janetzki said a number of stores had chosen to close permanently due to the recent enforcement actions. "We'll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders," he said. Illegal tobacco sales have prompted violence in southern states, with more than 100 firebombings in Victoria in two years, while seven men have been arrested across Sydney over the theft of illegal cigarettes and chop-chop, or loose tobacco, in the past year. It is believed the attacks and thefts are a result of ongoing wars between criminal gangs over illegal tobacco profits. A fake wall full of cash has been found along with a secret tobacco store in a crackdown on illegal traders. Almost $500,000 in cash and assets including a top of the range Mercedes has been seized after Queensland launched raids on the tobacco black market. Raids were carried out on more than 20 stores across the state's southeast after the shops were fined for selling illegal tobacco but failed to pay the penalties. During one raid, police officers found the shop owner was trying to hide cash behind a fake wall in the back of their store. Another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store. Officers have seized $468,000 in cash and other assets, including a Mercedes AMG and an SUV, during the raids since early May. "Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid," State Penalties Enforcement Registry director Kim Easton said. It comes months after a Queensland Health operation seized more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco. The haul had an estimated street value of $20.8 million. Queensland introduced nation-leading fines for retail store operators who sold illegal tobacco and vapes in April. Individuals can be fined $32,260, up from $3226, and corporations can be slapped with $161,300, up from $16,130. It follows laws introduced in September, enabling authorities to close offending businesses for up to six months - a penalty no other state has introduced. Treasurer David Janetzki said a number of stores had chosen to close permanently due to the recent enforcement actions. "We'll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders," he said. Illegal tobacco sales have prompted violence in southern states, with more than 100 firebombings in Victoria in two years, while seven men have been arrested across Sydney over the theft of illegal cigarettes and chop-chop, or loose tobacco, in the past year. It is believed the attacks and thefts are a result of ongoing wars between criminal gangs over illegal tobacco profits. A fake wall full of cash has been found along with a secret tobacco store in a crackdown on illegal traders. Almost $500,000 in cash and assets including a top of the range Mercedes has been seized after Queensland launched raids on the tobacco black market. Raids were carried out on more than 20 stores across the state's southeast after the shops were fined for selling illegal tobacco but failed to pay the penalties. During one raid, police officers found the shop owner was trying to hide cash behind a fake wall in the back of their store. Another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store. Officers have seized $468,000 in cash and other assets, including a Mercedes AMG and an SUV, during the raids since early May. "Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid," State Penalties Enforcement Registry director Kim Easton said. It comes months after a Queensland Health operation seized more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco. The haul had an estimated street value of $20.8 million. Queensland introduced nation-leading fines for retail store operators who sold illegal tobacco and vapes in April. Individuals can be fined $32,260, up from $3226, and corporations can be slapped with $161,300, up from $16,130. It follows laws introduced in September, enabling authorities to close offending businesses for up to six months - a penalty no other state has introduced. Treasurer David Janetzki said a number of stores had chosen to close permanently due to the recent enforcement actions. "We'll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders," he said. Illegal tobacco sales have prompted violence in southern states, with more than 100 firebombings in Victoria in two years, while seven men have been arrested across Sydney over the theft of illegal cigarettes and chop-chop, or loose tobacco, in the past year. It is believed the attacks and thefts are a result of ongoing wars between criminal gangs over illegal tobacco profits. A fake wall full of cash has been found along with a secret tobacco store in a crackdown on illegal traders. Almost $500,000 in cash and assets including a top of the range Mercedes has been seized after Queensland launched raids on the tobacco black market. Raids were carried out on more than 20 stores across the state's southeast after the shops were fined for selling illegal tobacco but failed to pay the penalties. During one raid, police officers found the shop owner was trying to hide cash behind a fake wall in the back of their store. Another was operating a hidden tobacco shop at the rear of their retail store. Officers have seized $468,000 in cash and other assets, including a Mercedes AMG and an SUV, during the raids since early May. "Our officers will continue to ensure these debtors face consequences by seizing their cash and other property until these debts are paid," State Penalties Enforcement Registry director Kim Easton said. It comes months after a Queensland Health operation seized more than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco. The haul had an estimated street value of $20.8 million. Queensland introduced nation-leading fines for retail store operators who sold illegal tobacco and vapes in April. Individuals can be fined $32,260, up from $3226, and corporations can be slapped with $161,300, up from $16,130. It follows laws introduced in September, enabling authorities to close offending businesses for up to six months - a penalty no other state has introduced. Treasurer David Janetzki said a number of stores had chosen to close permanently due to the recent enforcement actions. "We'll continue to support SPER and other agencies so they can use their full powers under the law to prevent chop shops from selling illegal tobacco and vapes, particularly to young Queenslanders," he said. Illegal tobacco sales have prompted violence in southern states, with more than 100 firebombings in Victoria in two years, while seven men have been arrested across Sydney over the theft of illegal cigarettes and chop-chop, or loose tobacco, in the past year. It is believed the attacks and thefts are a result of ongoing wars between criminal gangs over illegal tobacco profits.
