Third arrest over alleged kidnapping of Ibrahim nephew Michael Haddad

A third man has been arrested after the alleged kidnapping and attempted ransom of John and Michael Ibrahim’s nephew.

A third man has been charged over the alleged abduction of John Ibrahim’s nephew which police claim involved a ransom for a multimillion-dollar sum in a three-day ordeal in Sydney’s west.

Zuihab Shahzad, aged 32, was allegedly part of a group of at least three men who ambushed Michael Haddad, 21, in a Ryde car park on October 24 last year before stuffing him in a van and taking him to an unknown location.

Haddad, who is Ibrahim’s nephew and son of convicted drug dealer Marwan Haddad, was allegedly held ransom for three days as captors demanded $5 million for his safe return.

Shahzad was the third man to be arrested over the alleged kidnapping.

Strike Force Nicotiana detectives made the arrests this week.

The arrests came after police released footage of a van used in the alleged kidnapping.

He was eventually discovered at Henry Lawson Drive in East Hills before being taken to Bankstown Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

Shahzad was on Thursday arrested in Homebush before being charged with take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.

Hours earlier, 40-year-old Shady Ellawzi was also arrested and charged with take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.

He appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Thursday, where he was refused bail to reappear on April 27.

On Monday, 33-year-old Hamed Bamer was arrested and charged with the same offences when police swooped on his South Granville home. He was refused bail when he appeared before Parramatta Local Court.

The van.

The alleged victim’s mother, Fifi Ibrahim spoke to her brother Michael Ibrahim, who is in jail for drug importation, telling him about the alleged kidnapping.

In the conversation which was being monitored by prison authorities it is alleged Ibrahim threatened to kill his sister, who is now known as Armani Stelios. He was later charged with using a carriage service over the threats.

The arrests come after police released footage of a van used in the alleged kidnapping and made an appeal for information.

“We know that kidnappings for ransom is a modus operandi of some criminal groups and individuals. Even if the victims or their family do not report it we inevitably find out,’’ NSW Robbery and Serious Crime Squad boss Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis said.

Investigations by the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad are continuing.