Firebombed vape shop in Moonee Ponds linked to gangland identity Sam Abdulrahim
A business that’s been firebombed three times in the past month has links to gangland identity Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim, it can be revealed.
North West
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EXCLUSIVE
A vape store that was hit by its third firebombing attack in less than a month on Sunday has links to gangland identity Sam “The Punisher Abdulrahim”, it can be revealed.
Emergency services were called to Young St, Moonee Ponds about 5.15am after receiving calls about the fire at the business.
Police say at least three offenders wedged a stolen Holden Cruze on the footpath between the tobacco shop and a vehicle parked outside, before lighting the car on fire using an accelerant.
The offenders then fled on foot southbound via Gladstone St.
The incident is being treated as suspicious.
The shop was formerly beautician business Queen of the West – which records show was registered to Amira Abdulrahim, sister to Sam.
The business has pivoted to the vape world in recent months.
The Herald Sun has been told it was the third firebombing attack on the store in recent times.
Locals say a vehicle was seen “hanging laps” of the area before Sunday morning’s fire.
When the Herald Sun contacted Abdulrahim for comment, he said there was “nothing to talk about, it’s not my shop.”
When asked if he was worried about his family being targeted, he said “enjoy your day”.
Detective Acting Sergeant Heath Lyon said police would be “stepping up patrols” in the area because of the repeated attacks.
“It is the third incident of this tobacco shop in recent weeks so we are keeping an open mind and investigating each incident and trying to establish a motive,” he said.
“I don’t think the community should be that worried but we do ask for them during the late hours of the night, especially in this area, to keep note of anything that looks suspicious.
“The first two incidents were similar where vehicles approached outside, offenders poured accelerant over the roller door igniting the same way but had the roller door protecting the inside of the shop”.
On Sunday afternoon, the Punisher took to Instagram and reposted an image from the Young St tobacconist which stated: “We are open”, accompanied by the shop’s trading hours.
The blaze followed the torching of a tobacconist in nearby Puckle St last weekend.
Abdulrahim is one of Melbourne’s most high-profile underworld identities.
It is a year this month since he survived a bungled attempt on his life as he attended his cousin’s funeral at Fawkner Cemetery.
Abdulrahim is a noted kickboxer who resumed his fight career last month after recovering from the gunshot wounds.
Residential units above the tobacco shop were not affected by the blaze.
An apartment block nearby was evacuated as a precaution.
A crime scene was set up around the two cars and the store as arson squad detectives investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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