$1m to solve underworld hit as 'foot soldiers' charged
Robert Issa, 27, was gunned down at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north in October 2023.
Four men wearing balaclavas surrounded Mr Issa's Mercedes SUV, firing multiple shots into the passenger side and rear windows.
He was killed and another man, a now 30-year-old from Hadfield, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A group of men, described by Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas as alleged "foot soldiers", were arrested over the shooting last week but those police say ordered the hit remain at large.
"This reward today is very much focused at trying to identify those people further up the chain that were involved in arranging, organising and ordering the hit on Robert Issa," Det Insp told reporters at Victoria Police headquarters on Monday.
Police are keeping an open mind about whether criminals ordered the killing from Victoria, interstate or overseas.
Det Insp Thomas said there was no evidence it was linked to a long-running conflict over illegal tobacco profits or Kaz Hamad, who police allege is a Middle East-based crime boss.
"I'm confident there are people out there that know who has ordered the hit," he said.
"I am confident and I hope that this reward will be enough to prize them to come forward and share that information with us."
Five men were arrested in raids across Melbourne's north and east on Thursday and each charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal damage by fire.
Det Insp Thomas said he could not comment "one way or the other" on reports a sixth man was reportedly arrested in Greece over the killing.
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed an individual was arrested in Greece on July 31 after an Interpol notice was issued on Australia's behalf, but did not provide details.
"As this matter is subject to proceedings in Greece, it is not appropriate to comment further," they said.
Police allege Mr Issa had connections to several organised crime groups.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnity from prosecution to anyone who provides information on the identity of the main offender or offenders.
Investigators are confident a $1 million reward will expose criminal puppetmasters who ordered and financed an underworld killing at a busy suburban shopping centre.
Robert Issa, 27, was gunned down at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north in October 2023.
Four men wearing balaclavas surrounded Mr Issa's Mercedes SUV, firing multiple shots into the passenger side and rear windows.
He was killed and another man, a now 30-year-old from Hadfield, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A group of men, described by Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas as alleged "foot soldiers", were arrested over the shooting last week but those police say ordered the hit remain at large.
"This reward today is very much focused at trying to identify those people further up the chain that were involved in arranging, organising and ordering the hit on Robert Issa," Det Insp told reporters at Victoria Police headquarters on Monday.
Police are keeping an open mind about whether criminals ordered the killing from Victoria, interstate or overseas.
Det Insp Thomas said there was no evidence it was linked to a long-running conflict over illegal tobacco profits or Kaz Hamad, who police allege is a Middle East-based crime boss.
"I'm confident there are people out there that know who has ordered the hit," he said.
"I am confident and I hope that this reward will be enough to prize them to come forward and share that information with us."
Five men were arrested in raids across Melbourne's north and east on Thursday and each charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal damage by fire.
Det Insp Thomas said he could not comment "one way or the other" on reports a sixth man was reportedly arrested in Greece over the killing.
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed an individual was arrested in Greece on July 31 after an Interpol notice was issued on Australia's behalf, but did not provide details.
"As this matter is subject to proceedings in Greece, it is not appropriate to comment further," they said.
Police allege Mr Issa had connections to several organised crime groups.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnity from prosecution to anyone who provides information on the identity of the main offender or offenders.
Investigators are confident a $1 million reward will expose criminal puppetmasters who ordered and financed an underworld killing at a busy suburban shopping centre.
Robert Issa, 27, was gunned down at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north in October 2023.
Four men wearing balaclavas surrounded Mr Issa's Mercedes SUV, firing multiple shots into the passenger side and rear windows.
He was killed and another man, a now 30-year-old from Hadfield, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A group of men, described by Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas as alleged "foot soldiers", were arrested over the shooting last week but those police say ordered the hit remain at large.
"This reward today is very much focused at trying to identify those people further up the chain that were involved in arranging, organising and ordering the hit on Robert Issa," Det Insp told reporters at Victoria Police headquarters on Monday.
Police are keeping an open mind about whether criminals ordered the killing from Victoria, interstate or overseas.
Det Insp Thomas said there was no evidence it was linked to a long-running conflict over illegal tobacco profits or Kaz Hamad, who police allege is a Middle East-based crime boss.
"I'm confident there are people out there that know who has ordered the hit," he said.
"I am confident and I hope that this reward will be enough to prize them to come forward and share that information with us."
Five men were arrested in raids across Melbourne's north and east on Thursday and each charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal damage by fire.
Det Insp Thomas said he could not comment "one way or the other" on reports a sixth man was reportedly arrested in Greece over the killing.
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed an individual was arrested in Greece on July 31 after an Interpol notice was issued on Australia's behalf, but did not provide details.
"As this matter is subject to proceedings in Greece, it is not appropriate to comment further," they said.
Police allege Mr Issa had connections to several organised crime groups.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnity from prosecution to anyone who provides information on the identity of the main offender or offenders.
Investigators are confident a $1 million reward will expose criminal puppetmasters who ordered and financed an underworld killing at a busy suburban shopping centre.
Robert Issa, 27, was gunned down at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre in Melbourne's north in October 2023.
Four men wearing balaclavas surrounded Mr Issa's Mercedes SUV, firing multiple shots into the passenger side and rear windows.
He was killed and another man, a now 30-year-old from Hadfield, was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
A group of men, described by Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas as alleged "foot soldiers", were arrested over the shooting last week but those police say ordered the hit remain at large.
"This reward today is very much focused at trying to identify those people further up the chain that were involved in arranging, organising and ordering the hit on Robert Issa," Det Insp told reporters at Victoria Police headquarters on Monday.
Police are keeping an open mind about whether criminals ordered the killing from Victoria, interstate or overseas.
Det Insp Thomas said there was no evidence it was linked to a long-running conflict over illegal tobacco profits or Kaz Hamad, who police allege is a Middle East-based crime boss.
"I'm confident there are people out there that know who has ordered the hit," he said.
"I am confident and I hope that this reward will be enough to prize them to come forward and share that information with us."
Five men were arrested in raids across Melbourne's north and east on Thursday and each charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal damage by fire.
Det Insp Thomas said he could not comment "one way or the other" on reports a sixth man was reportedly arrested in Greece over the killing.
A spokesperson for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed an individual was arrested in Greece on July 31 after an Interpol notice was issued on Australia's behalf, but did not provide details.
"As this matter is subject to proceedings in Greece, it is not appropriate to comment further," they said.
Police allege Mr Issa had connections to several organised crime groups.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnity from prosecution to anyone who provides information on the identity of the main offender or offenders.
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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
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ICAC zeroes in on Newcastle engineer's slippery slope to cash kickbacks
"WE should get on the bandwagon" were the words Ibrahim Helmy allegedly used to first lure former Newcastle-based senior projects engineer David Liu into his web of corruption. "Basically it was an indication that we should get in bed with the contractors, inflate the rates, and get cash benefits," Mr Liu said. The conversation started with Mr Liu questioning Mr Helmy, a senior Transport for NSW figure, about the rates of various subcontractors. Mr Liu felt that some of their regular contractors, such as Protection Barriers, were ripping them off and that their prices were too high. Mr Helmy called it a COVID tax, inflation, because "things were getting expensive", Mr Liu said. In later conversations, the tone became more serious and the specifics of the how-to were discussed. During work-related phone calls, Mr Helmy made comments about having "a really safe way" to get cash kickbacks if they wanted to, Mr Liu said. "He said to me can you inflate the rates and I was shocked because I thought how could you ... how could you do that with all the oversight," Mr Liu said. "I didn't think it was feasible. He said 'I have my ways'." It was as simple as changing the rate, for example if the rate was $100 a linear metre, he would change it to $120'. That was one of the ways, he said. Another way was to add "extra services" such as traffic control, and a variety of things into the invoice, Mr Liu said. He was shocked that a procurement officer could do that Mr Liu said, but he also went along with it, and is accused of receiving more than $100,000 in kickbacks. Rob Ranken SC, Counsel Assisting the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in its inquiry into Transport for NSW corruption, asked him why he didn't report it. Mr Liu said he had done some soul searching about that, and part of the explanation was that he felt his career was going nowhere. "I think at that time a senior project position came up and I didn't win it," Mr Liu said. "It's fair to say I didn't do well in the interview. I felt, for whatever it's worth, no matter how good I am, this is it, this is my life forever. That's not an excuse though." Mr Liu said in other conversations with Mr Helmy they discussed in greater depth how the rort would work. "I asked, if you can inflate the rates, why do you need me," Mr Liu said. If he added extra items he needed me to look the other way, he said. Mr Helmy would supply a rate from the contractors on the panel, and then Mr Liu was to say how much money was left in the budget, and they could add that on to the bill and take it for themselves. "Basically he just wanted to add stuff and I just had to sign it when the invoice was issued that those additional items that were provided actually weren't provided," Mr Liu said. The alleged rigging and inflation of contracts by Transport for NSW procurement officer Mr Helmy, who is in hiding, between 2012 and 2024 has come under the microscope of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Helmy was involved in corrupt relationships with companies that were paid at least $343 million in contracts. He is wanted by police and is believed to be in hiding after a failed attempt to leave Australia on a US passport in September. He is the principal - but not only - official involved in the ICAC inquiry. Investigations led to raids in September on the head office of Protection Barriers, one of the state's biggest roadworks companies, headed by Jason Chellew. Mr Ranken said in his opening address that he expected the evidence to show that Mr Liu received between $100,000 and $150,000 from Mr Chellew as part of a hire truck arrangement. "WE should get on the bandwagon" were the words Ibrahim Helmy allegedly used to first lure former Newcastle-based senior projects engineer David Liu into his web of corruption. "Basically it was an indication that we should get in bed with the contractors, inflate the rates, and get cash benefits," Mr Liu said. The conversation started with Mr Liu questioning Mr Helmy, a senior Transport for NSW figure, about the rates of various subcontractors. Mr Liu felt that some of their regular contractors, such as Protection Barriers, were ripping them off and that their prices were too high. Mr Helmy called it a COVID tax, inflation, because "things were getting expensive", Mr Liu said. In later conversations, the tone became more serious and the specifics of the how-to were discussed. During work-related phone calls, Mr Helmy made comments about having "a really safe way" to get cash kickbacks if they wanted to, Mr Liu said. "He said to me can you inflate the rates and I was shocked because I thought how could you ... how could you do that with all the oversight," Mr Liu said. "I didn't think it was feasible. He said 'I have my ways'." It was as simple as changing the rate, for example if the rate was $100 a linear metre, he would change it to $120'. That was one of the ways, he said. Another way was to add "extra services" such as traffic control, and a variety of things into the invoice, Mr Liu said. He was shocked that a procurement officer could do that Mr Liu said, but he also went along with it, and is accused of receiving more than $100,000 in kickbacks. Rob Ranken SC, Counsel Assisting the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in its inquiry into Transport for NSW corruption, asked him why he didn't report it. Mr Liu said he had done some soul searching about that, and part of the explanation was that he felt his career was going nowhere. "I think at that time a senior project position came up and I didn't win it," Mr Liu said. "It's fair to say I didn't do well in the interview. I felt, for whatever it's worth, no matter how good I am, this is it, this is my life forever. That's not an excuse though." Mr Liu said in other conversations with Mr Helmy they discussed in greater depth how the rort would work. "I asked, if you can inflate the rates, why do you need me," Mr Liu said. If he added extra items he needed me to look the other way, he said. Mr Helmy would supply a rate from the contractors on the panel, and then Mr Liu was to say how much money was left in the budget, and they could add that on to the bill and take it for themselves. "Basically he just wanted to add stuff and I just had to sign it when the invoice was issued that those additional items that were provided actually weren't provided," Mr Liu said. The alleged rigging and inflation of contracts by Transport for NSW procurement officer Mr Helmy, who is in hiding, between 2012 and 2024 has come under the microscope of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Helmy was involved in corrupt relationships with companies that were paid at least $343 million in contracts. He is wanted by police and is believed to be in hiding after a failed attempt to leave Australia on a US passport in September. He is the principal - but not only - official involved in the ICAC inquiry. Investigations led to raids in September on the head office of Protection Barriers, one of the state's biggest roadworks companies, headed by Jason Chellew. Mr Ranken said in his opening address that he expected the evidence to show that Mr Liu received between $100,000 and $150,000 from Mr Chellew as part of a hire truck arrangement. "WE should get on the bandwagon" were the words Ibrahim Helmy allegedly used to first lure former Newcastle-based senior projects engineer David Liu into his web of corruption. "Basically it was an indication that we should get in bed with the contractors, inflate the rates, and get cash benefits," Mr Liu said. The conversation started with Mr Liu questioning Mr Helmy, a senior Transport for NSW figure, about the rates of various subcontractors. Mr Liu felt that some of their regular contractors, such as Protection Barriers, were ripping them off and that their prices were too high. Mr Helmy called it a COVID tax, inflation, because "things were getting expensive", Mr Liu said. In later conversations, the tone became more serious and the specifics of the how-to were discussed. During work-related phone calls, Mr Helmy made comments about having "a really safe way" to get cash kickbacks if they wanted to, Mr Liu said. "He said to me can you inflate the rates and I was shocked because I thought how could you ... how could you do that with all the oversight," Mr Liu said. "I didn't think it was feasible. He said 'I have my ways'." It was as simple as changing the rate, for example if the rate was $100 a linear metre, he would change it to $120'. That was one of the ways, he said. Another way was to add "extra services" such as traffic control, and a variety of things into the invoice, Mr Liu said. He was shocked that a procurement officer could do that Mr Liu said, but he also went along with it, and is accused of receiving more than $100,000 in kickbacks. Rob Ranken SC, Counsel Assisting the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in its inquiry into Transport for NSW corruption, asked him why he didn't report it. Mr Liu said he had done some soul searching about that, and part of the explanation was that he felt his career was going nowhere. "I think at that time a senior project position came up and I didn't win it," Mr Liu said. "It's fair to say I didn't do well in the interview. I felt, for whatever it's worth, no matter how good I am, this is it, this is my life forever. That's not an excuse though." Mr Liu said in other conversations with Mr Helmy they discussed in greater depth how the rort would work. "I asked, if you can inflate the rates, why do you need me," Mr Liu said. If he added extra items he needed me to look the other way, he said. Mr Helmy would supply a rate from the contractors on the panel, and then Mr Liu was to say how much money was left in the budget, and they could add that on to the bill and take it for themselves. "Basically he just wanted to add stuff and I just had to sign it when the invoice was issued that those additional items that were provided actually weren't provided," Mr Liu said. The alleged rigging and inflation of contracts by Transport for NSW procurement officer Mr Helmy, who is in hiding, between 2012 and 2024 has come under the microscope of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Helmy was involved in corrupt relationships with companies that were paid at least $343 million in contracts. He is wanted by police and is believed to be in hiding after a failed attempt to leave Australia on a US passport in September. He is the principal - but not only - official involved in the ICAC inquiry. Investigations led to raids in September on the head office of Protection Barriers, one of the state's biggest roadworks companies, headed by Jason Chellew. Mr Ranken said in his opening address that he expected the evidence to show that Mr Liu received between $100,000 and $150,000 from Mr Chellew as part of a hire truck arrangement. "WE should get on the bandwagon" were the words Ibrahim Helmy allegedly used to first lure former Newcastle-based senior projects engineer David Liu into his web of corruption. "Basically it was an indication that we should get in bed with the contractors, inflate the rates, and get cash benefits," Mr Liu said. The conversation started with Mr Liu questioning Mr Helmy, a senior Transport for NSW figure, about the rates of various subcontractors. Mr Liu felt that some of their regular contractors, such as Protection Barriers, were ripping them off and that their prices were too high. Mr Helmy called it a COVID tax, inflation, because "things were getting expensive", Mr Liu said. In later conversations, the tone became more serious and the specifics of the how-to were discussed. During work-related phone calls, Mr Helmy made comments about having "a really safe way" to get cash kickbacks if they wanted to, Mr Liu said. "He said to me can you inflate the rates and I was shocked because I thought how could you ... how could you do that with all the oversight," Mr Liu said. "I didn't think it was feasible. He said 'I have my ways'." It was as simple as changing the rate, for example if the rate was $100 a linear metre, he would change it to $120'. That was one of the ways, he said. Another way was to add "extra services" such as traffic control, and a variety of things into the invoice, Mr Liu said. He was shocked that a procurement officer could do that Mr Liu said, but he also went along with it, and is accused of receiving more than $100,000 in kickbacks. Rob Ranken SC, Counsel Assisting the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in its inquiry into Transport for NSW corruption, asked him why he didn't report it. Mr Liu said he had done some soul searching about that, and part of the explanation was that he felt his career was going nowhere. "I think at that time a senior project position came up and I didn't win it," Mr Liu said. "It's fair to say I didn't do well in the interview. I felt, for whatever it's worth, no matter how good I am, this is it, this is my life forever. That's not an excuse though." Mr Liu said in other conversations with Mr Helmy they discussed in greater depth how the rort would work. "I asked, if you can inflate the rates, why do you need me," Mr Liu said. If he added extra items he needed me to look the other way, he said. Mr Helmy would supply a rate from the contractors on the panel, and then Mr Liu was to say how much money was left in the budget, and they could add that on to the bill and take it for themselves. "Basically he just wanted to add stuff and I just had to sign it when the invoice was issued that those additional items that were provided actually weren't provided," Mr Liu said. The alleged rigging and inflation of contracts by Transport for NSW procurement officer Mr Helmy, who is in hiding, between 2012 and 2024 has come under the microscope of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). ICAC is investigating allegations Mr Helmy was involved in corrupt relationships with companies that were paid at least $343 million in contracts. He is wanted by police and is believed to be in hiding after a failed attempt to leave Australia on a US passport in September. He is the principal - but not only - official involved in the ICAC inquiry. Investigations led to raids in September on the head office of Protection Barriers, one of the state's biggest roadworks companies, headed by Jason Chellew. Mr Ranken said in his opening address that he expected the evidence to show that Mr Liu received between $100,000 and $150,000 from Mr Chellew as part of a hire truck arrangement.
7NEWS
8 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Search continues as couple on board missing plane from Tasmania to NSW identified
The couple aboard a plane that went missing en route from Tasmania to NSW have been identified. Gregory Vaughan, 72, was piloting a light green sport aircraft carrying his partner Kim Worner, 66, and their dog, Molly, when it disappeared on Saturday afternoon. They departed George Town Airport in Tasmania about 12.45pm, bound for Central West NSW to visit family, with a planned stopover at Leongatha, in regional Victoria. However, the plane never arrived, prompting concerned family members to raise the alarm on Saturday evening. Tasmania Police on Tuesday released the Deloraine couple's names, with permission from their family. 'The longer Gregory and Kim are missing, the greater the concerns are for their welfare,' Inspector Nick Clark said. Clark urged anyone with information that could assist the search to come forward. 'If anyone has information that could assist the search, has seen a plane matching this description, or noticed anything such as unusual debris on land or in the water, they should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444,' Clark said. The missing plane is described as a two-seater Bristell S-LSA in a distinctive light green colour. It was reportedly purchased by Vaughan just three to four months ago. While Vaughan is said to be a 'very experienced' pilot, police said he would still be relatively new to this specific aircraft. George Town-based flight instructor Eugene Reid told the ABC flights across Bass Strait were required to make contact with air authorities. 'On leaving the coast, they should have called up air services,' Reid said. However, Clark confirmed the couple had made no contact with authorities after taking off from George Town. On Tuesday, a Tasmania Police helicopter crew conducted sweeps of the state's northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach, but there has been no sighting of the plane. Search conditions have been hampered by poor weather and low cloud cover. Boats have not been deployed due to rough seas. Clark said the search would continue on Wednesday. 'Significant resources have been utilised in the search and Pol Air will continue to be used over the next two days, at which time the search efforts will be re-assessed based on any possible new information that becomes available,' he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
9 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Perth investor says he lost millions in alleged fraudster's ‘Ponzi scheme'
A former client says he lost millions in his dealings with an alleged Perth fraudster who often bragged about his connections with high-level banks across Europe and painted his lucrative investment scheme as 'exclusive and for those in-the-know'. However, private investor Chris Marco has admitted he was using their money to pay returns to other clients in what one witness told his West Australian Supreme Court trial on Tuesday 'reeked of a Ponzi scheme'. Marco is on trial, facing 44 charges after allegedly defrauding investors of about $36.4 million. His former executive assistant, Linda Marissen, has been charged with 30 offences for her alleged role in the crimes. Both have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Giving evidence on Tuesday, Perth-based accountant Charles Napoli said he decided to invest when he became aware of Marco through one of his clients. He invested $1 million with Marco, who promised to invest his money in lucrative overseas investment structures called 'private placements'. Private placements are when a company raises money by selling shares, bonds, or securities to a select group of private investors, rather than through the public stock exchange. Napoli said he was a risk-averse investor, but he was assured by Marco's promise his principle investment would be kept in a blocked bank account that had a multimillion-dollar insurance policy attached. He said it gave him confidence that he could invest with the Nedlands-based businessman, as well as his 'experience' in the financial sector. Napoli said Marco regularly spoke about the 'four or five years' he spent in Europe learning about private placements and investing, and how he had 'all the right connections'.
