Yousef Zrayka, Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi charged with conspiracy to murder
Police will allege two gun-wielding men accused of conspiring to murder a high profile man targeted multiple luxury SUV drivers in Sydney’s east in a hapless effort to locate him.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two young men have been accused of a “very amateurish” conspiracy to execute a high profile eastern suburbs identity.
A court heard a child was in one of multiple luxury cars allegedly stopped by Yousif Zrayka and Siaosi Tupoulahi during a hapless search for their target in Sydney’s east on Thursday.
Alarmed residents called police and a chase ensued before the pair were arrested in a stolen hire car, which allegedly contained loaded firearms, fuel and rubber gloves.
The pair have subsequently been charged with conspiracy to murder in relation to a high profile eastern suburbs man who cannot be identified, and refused bail by a magistrate.
The man is well known for his flashy lifestyle.
Police prosecutor Adrian Walsh told the court the pair allegedly targeted two different luxury SUV drivers in similar vehicles to the person they are accused of conspiring to murder.
“They intended to target the owner of (a certain luxury vehicle), but unfortunately where they were surveilling there appears to be a number of (those vehicles),” Sgt Walsh said.
Sgt Walsh said police would allege Tupoulahi “locked eyes” with the luxury SUV driver with the child on board while brandishing the pistol for approximately 10 seconds.
“That’s a long time for somebody to be staring at a Glock pistol brandished in their direction,” Sgt Walsh said.
“I would submit it’s a well planned, but very poorly executed event.”
The court also heard about the alleged planning involved before the pair were ultimately apprehended following a relatively low speed chase through peak hour traffic.
“There is a stolen motor vehicle, there were other getaway cars waiting, there are two pistols, a Glock that was produced on one of the witnesses with the serial number defaced,” Sgt Walsh said.
“Both of the pistols were loaded, there are two cans of fuel, rubber gloves, three phones, and both were wearing all black clothing, gloves, with their faces fully covered with balaclavas.”
High profile Sydney silk Ertunc Ozen had sought Zrayka and Tupoulahi’s bail before Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund at Downing Centre Local Court.
Mr Ozen said a jury would have to exclude other possibilities – including that the pair were armed with intent to commit a different offence – to find them guilty of murder conspiracy.
“The facts are serious, I concede that,” Mr Ozen said.
“There might have been planning, but I suggest on conspiracy to murder, the actions alleged by police are quite amateurish.”
In seeking their release, the court heard neither man had a relevant criminal history.
Zrayka’s parents offered a $500,000 surety and conditions akin to house arrest for his bail, while the court heard Tupoulahi was his family’s sole breadwinner and his father’s carer.
Ms Freund said she regarded the prosecution case as strong and that even strict bail conditions could not mitigate the risk they could pose to community safety.
Zrayka is charged with conspiracy to murder, multiple firearm offences, intimidation, taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and a police pursuit.
Tupoulahi is charged with conspiracy to murder, multiple firearm offences, intimidation, being carried in a car taken without the owner’s consent, not wearing a seatbelt, and assaulting and hindering police.
The pair return to court on September 24.
Late TikTok star allegedly part of dodgy sex abuse scheme
A late TikTok sensation who told stories of his life of crime was allegedly part of a scheme to fraudulently claim compensation for sexual abuse before his death.
Underworld figure admits role in death of Rebels bikie
John Jamie Tozer was one of Rebels bikie gang member Ricky Ciano’s closest mates. Now he’s admitted to manslaughter for sourcing the drugs for the hotshot that killed him.