Mohammad Keshtiar may launch Mongols takeover when released from prison
A BIKIE leadership battle could erupt in Melbourne when one of the state’s most notorious prisoners is released.
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A BIKIE leadership battle could erupt in Melbourne when one of the state’s most notorious prisoners is released.
Underworld figure Mohammad Keshtiar could attempt a takeover of the Mongols when he is let out of the maximum security Barwon Prison.
Keshtiar, who is eligible for parole, has influence in the club and a strong following within the prison system.
Authorities believe he may challenge for the leadership of the Mongols despite the club denying he is a “patched’’ member.
But there are fears if Keshtiar is not accepted as a boss, he could set up a street gang of “Nike Bikies’’ — an outlaw club who do not ride motorcycles.
Keshtiar’s influence within the Muslim prison population as well as gangsters in Melbourne’s northern suburbs could create a large club almost overnight. The 45-year-old, known as Afghan Ali, is serving a jail stint over the attempted murders of two people and a separate shooting.
Keshtiar is thought to have already been the architect of a leadership coup within the Mongols from behind bars.
Those with knowledge of the takeover of the Victorian presidency in early 2014 say factions were formed after Keshtiar pushed for members to distribute the drug ice.
A group of Mongols quit the Victorian chapter during the dispute over entering the illicit drug business.
Sources say Keshtiar was pushing a plan for members to sell 30g of ice a week.
Keshtiar, who is languishing in jail despite being eligible for parole, is aligned to key Mongol members both inside and outside prison. His 12-year sentence for attempting to murder his girlfriend and a close friend at a party in Burwood during a jealous rage expires in August 2018.
He admitted to police that he had accused his girlfriend of being unfaithful before opening fire. Keshtiar then called an ambulance and co-operated with police.
But Keshtiar pleaded not guilty and claimed during the trial he had agreed to take the rap for underworld figure Sam Zayat. By then, Zayat had been shot dead by an associate in a Tarneit paddock.
The Herald Sun has been told while under investigation for one of his crimes, Keshtiar attempted to use his religion to convince a fellow Muslim who was a witness not to co-operate with police.
But despite his violent history, it is unlikely Keshtiar will serve his full term.