Net closes in on high-flying suspected hitman, investigated over three gangland slayings
A SUSPECTED hitman linked to several deaths in Melbourne's chain of underworld killings could be among targets of a joint state and federal assault on gangland crime.
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A SUSPECTED hitman linked to several deaths in Melbourne's chain of underworld killings could be among targets of a joint state and federal assault on gangland crime.
The standover man, who cruises Melbourne in a $200,000 Mercedes-Benz, is the prime suspect in the murder of western suburbs gangster Dino Dibra in 2000, and has been investigated over two other slayings.
The gunman, in his late 20s, has been interviewed by detectives over the Dibra killing, and knew at least two other victims.
Dibra and his suspected killer were once close friends, operating hydroponic marijuana set-ups in the western suburbs.
Sources said they had a business arrangement under which plants would be grown at rental properties in the west.
In December last year, the Purana Taskforce investigating a chain of underworld murders posted a $100,000 reward for Dibra's killer.
The Dibra suspect has also been investigated over the death of feared drug dealer Nik Radev, who was shot dead at Coburg in April last year.
The same man was an associate of criminal Paul Kallipolitis, who was executed in his Sunshine home in October, 2002.
Police also believe the standover man shot a man in a drive-by attack at Hoppers Crossing in 1999.
The victim, who had been waiting for a lift to work, was shot in the groin before fleeing and suffering more wounds to the backside and the back of the legs.
His suspected attacker has a police record dating back to the early 1990s for violence, robbery and arson.
Despite having no apparent income, he wears expensive clothes and jewellery and is a regular at city strip clubs.
``He feels he's untouchable, but he's upset a lot of the old schoolers,'' an underworld source told the Herald Sun.
The suspect has for years been a feared presence in Melbourne's west, where he is known for his willingness to point a gun.
His current expensive lifestyle may put him in line to be one of those investigated under federal laws if a proposed Victoria Police-Australian Crime Commission joint assault on gangland killings goes ahead.
He may also be one of those compelled, under the commission's special coercive powers, to give answers about his knowledge of any murders.