Thomastown home linked to underworld figure Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim firebombed

Police are probing if brazen arson attacks on a Thomastown home linked to underworld figure and boxer Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim and a Port Melbourne hairdressing salon are linked.

Police are probing if brazen arson attacks on a Thomastown home linked to underworld figure and boxer Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim and a Port Melbourne hairdressing salon are linked.

Two children in an upstairs apartment near the Infinitii hair salon were hospitalised for smoke inhalation after a Porsche was driven into the shop about 1.30am on Monday and set alight, with the mother of the children telling the Herald Sun the blaze caused clouds of smoke to fill their home.

The mother, ‘Sheree’ Shefket, said her 16-year-old daughter was a hero for waking up the family.

“She quickly woke me up and I was in a panic. We’ve got a fryer, and I thought that we had the fire in our place,” Ms Shefket said.

“The smoke wasn’t too bad upstairs, but it was travelling up quite fast. When I went downstairs, the shop was full of smoke and I couldn’t see what was going on. My husband wasn’t there, so I was just on my own with the kids.”

The Thomastown home linked to underworld figure Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The top windows were blown out by the blaze. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Owners of the Infinitii hair salon Rana El Hajj and husband Elie “Alex” Mansour, who have operated the salon for eight years, said they had no connection to Abulrahim and were at a loss as to why their business was targeted.

“We have no idea to be honest why it did happen … we’ve never had any issue with anyone, that’s why we’re in shock.” Ms El Hajj said.

However, police on Monday said it was investigating the possibility the salon ambush was linked to the Thomastown blaze, with the surname of an employee at the salon the same as an ex Mongols bikies.

Emergency services were called to the former Larch St, Thomastown, home of Abdulrahim shortly after 3am on Monday to find the double-story house ablaze.

Police believe arsonists climbed a letterbox and scaled a fence before breaking an upstairs window to gain access to the house.

The townhouse — which the Herald Sun understands is now lived in by a relative of Abdulrahim — was gutted by the fire, on a night of suspicious blazes across the city.

Investigations are also underway over fires in Richmond, Patterson Lakes and Cairnlea.

There have been a number of attacks on the property. Picture: Supplied

The fire at Abdulrahim’s Thomastown home is being treated as suspicious. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

Police dust for prints on the fence they believed was used to access the property. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

The Clark St Richmond fire, about 9.15pm on Sunday night, involved a 37-year-old man who was a resident of one of the units, and who has since been arrested.

There was also a fire at a retirement village in Patterson Lakes on Monday morning about 1.20am, while a tobacco shop in Cairnlea was targeted at about 6am on Monday morning.

“I want to be really clear, at this stage we’re keeping an open mind in relation to the links between Thomastown, Port Melbourne and Cairnlea,” Victoria Police Acting Commander Jason Kelly said.

A Porsche SUV was used in the Port Melbourne attack. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The shop was attacked about 1am Monday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The burnt out Porsche after it was removed from the building.

“We have said it many times before that those persons responsible for the arson attacks show no regard for members of the public.”

Police have been called several times to the Thomastown property linked to Abdulrahim, in the last few months.

It is not the first time Abdulrahim has had an attack on his life, having miraculously survived several attempts since 2022.

Police at the scene on Monday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The shop was left a smouldering wreck. Picture: Grace Frost

Infinitii Hair’s Rana El Hajj says she has no idea why her salon was hit by an arson attack. Picture: Supplied

Acting Commander Kelly said that since March 2023 there had been 96 arsons across the state that police believe are connected to illicit tobacco and organised crime activity.

“My message to those who have been responsible for those arsons overnight, the likelihood of you being caught is high,” he said.

“Victoria Police will be relentless in pursuit of you.”

Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.