Abdul Fawaz charged over Turrella shooting of Mohammed Saab

A 21-year-old man has been charged over the shooting of Sydney businessman Mohammed Saab.

A man has been arrested over the shooting of a Sydney businessman who was ambushed outside his home in Sydney’s south last August.

Abdul Fawaz, 21, is the man police allege opened fire on construction business owner Mohammed Saab, 37, in a targeted attack as he got into a parked car about 7am at Knoll Ave in Turrella on August 26, 2020.

Mr Saab was struck multiple times by the hail of bullets, before the accused gunman and a getaway driver fled the scene.

After an almost year-long investigation NSW Police’s Criminal Groups Squad arrested Fawaz during a dawn raid at a home in Prestons about 6.30am on Tuesday.

Mohammed Saab was shot outside his home on Knoll Ave in Turella.

Abdul Fawaz, 21, is the man police allege opened fire on the construction business owner.

NSW Criminal Groups Squad head Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor said Mr Saab was a father and legitimate businessman who had no idea why he had been targeted.

“The victim is incredibly lucky to be alive,” Det Act Supt Taylor said.

“He doesn‘t know why he was targeted.”

Police said investigations into the shooting are still ongoing and they were yet to determine a motive for the shooting.

“The victim is very grateful to police, he has a legitimate business he runs and wants to get on with his life,” Det Act Supt Taylor said.

Confronting footage from Mr Saab’s home security cameras captured the moment he was shot after the alleged shooter jumped out of a dark coloured sedan, which was parked opposite the businessman’s ute.

The CCTV footage shows Mr Saab sheltering behind his car door before running towards his home clutching his chest after being hit by several of the 12 gunshots.

He suffered torso and leg injuries in the incident, for which he had to undergo emergency surgery.

Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor, head of the NSW Criminal Groups Squad, said Mr Saab was “lucky to be alive”. Photo: Brett Costello

Fawaz was arrested during dawn raids at Prestons on Tuesday.

235 extendable batons were seized in the raids.

Fawaz was charged with 13 offences including shoot at with intent to murder, fire a firearm in a public place, possess an unauthorised pistol and several breaches of a firearm prohibitions order.

He faced Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday and made no application for bail and it was formally refused. He is due back before the same court on September 6.

The arrest comes two months after 46-year-old Antonio Graniero was arrested and charged over the alleged murder attempt on Mr Saab.

Police at the time alleged he was the driver of the vehicle used in the shooting. He remains before the courts.