Joseph Vokai charged as NSW Police hunt Masood Zakaria and John Bayssari

One of three men sought by police over alleged criminal activity in southwest Sydney has been arrested and charged. Two men, including Masood Zakaria (pictured), are still being sought.

One of three men wanted by NSW Police since before Christmas and an alleged associate of the Alameddine family has been arrested on charges related to directing a criminal group, a court has heard.

Earlier in December, Crime Groups Squad detectives from the State Crime Command issued an appeal for public help to find 25-year-old Joseph Vokai and two other men.

Masood Zakaria, who is one of two men police are still seeking over their alleged participation in organised criminal groups in southwest Sydney. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Vokai was arrested at Parramatta Police Station at 6.45pm on Wednesday after continuing inquires by a oint operation between Australia Federal Police, Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

He was charged with two counts of knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity, and dealing with property which is the proceeds of crime.

Masood Zakaria at an earlier court appearance.

Police issued an image of Masood Zakaria.

Mr Vokai appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Thursday, where the young father was remanded in custody after being refused bail.

His lawyer Zemarai Khatiz entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The court heard Mr Vokai is an alleged associate of the Alameddine family and member of the KVT gang. The alleged activities occurred between January 2020 and December 8 this year at Merrylands.

The prosecution opposed bail, citing Mr Vokai’s alleged direction and participation in the group was at the “upper end” of the scale and he had alleged links to the Alameddine family which targeted rivals, the Hamze clan.

The prosecution told the court Mr Vokai was also convicted for similar offences, including directing a criminal group, in 2017, and posed a risk to the public after he failed to comply with court orders.

Mr Vokai’s lawyer, Zemarai Khatiz, said the police evidence was circumstantial and relied on electronic surveillance. He argued Mr Vokai had never failed to appear for previous court appearances and would need to be granted bail to prepare for his case especially if there was “extensive electronic evidence” to prepare.

However, Magistrate Georgia Knight refused bail and said the police facts alleged there were several conversations about drugs and money.

“I agree that it’s a circumstantial case,’’ she said.

“I don’t think it’s as weak as Mr Khatiz suggests.’’

Magistrate Knight said Mr Vokai’s convictions were a concern because they “are extremely similar to these offences” and the matter was adjourned to the same court on February 3.

Mr Vokai was one of a trio of men police have sought since December 23 over their alleged participation in organised criminal groups in Sydney’s southwest.

Investigators are still looking for 26-year-old Masood Zakaria. Magistrate Knight told the court Mr Vokai was Mr Zakaria’s right hand man.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Mr Zakaria for conspiring and agree to murder any person, two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, commercial drug supply, deal with proceeds of crime and contravene serious crime prevention order.

John Bayssari, aged 30, is also wanted for his alleged involvement in criminal group offences.

In their December 23 appeal, police said the men could be trying to flee the country and were thought to be travelling together and using cash to fund accommodation, transport and other items to avoid detection.

Inquiries to locate the other men continue.