Huge bounty placed on gangland heavy Gavin Preston’s head when he was killed

Gavin Preston was “causing problems all over town” before a $1m hit was carried out in brutal fashion at a Keilor cafe.

A murder contract of up to $1m was on the head of gangland heavy Gavin Preston when he was shot dead.

Preston was considered such a threat and a risk to others’ criminal activities that huge money was made available, underworld sources have revealed.

The Herald Sun has been told one theory buzzing in crime circles is that an interstate crew, possibly from NSW, was brought in for the hit job.

But the shooting – though carried out swiftly – was widely considered an “amateur” job after their bungles left the killers ­exposed.

Underworld figure Gavin Preston had a $1m bounty on his head.

They tried but failed to ­incinerate a black Audi Q5 SUV getaway car used after they sprayed Preston with up to 10 bullets at Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor.

Who would have ordered the hit on Preston is unclear but he had caused considerable unrest since being released from prison this year having served his time for the 2012 killing of drug dealer Adam Khoury.

“(The hit) wasn’t for one thing. Gav was causing problems all over town. And not just for George (Marrogi),” an underworld source said.

“He’s known as the wrecking ball, yeah?

“Well, he came out of prison swinging big time.

“He was causing trouble, trouble no one needs. Unsettling things. Trying to muscle in and shooting his mouth off.

“There’s not going to be any war. If anything, this will calm things.”

An underworld source says Preston was causing problems for many people including the Notorious Crime Family’s George Marrogi.

Abbas Junior Maghnie, a mate who was sitting with Preston when the ambush unfolded just after 10am on Saturday, September 9, is recovering from his gunshot wounds.

Abbas Junior is the son of Nabil Maghnie, a former close friend and running mate of Preston who was murdered at Epping in 2020.

Abbas Junior survived being shot in the same incident that fatally wounded his father.

Homicide detectives looking into the Preston killing are in the early stages of what shapes as a long and complex inquiry.

CCTV captured the chilling moment a gunman dressed head to toe in black ran towards the pair, who were sitting outside close to the road, and opened fire.

Preston was killed because he was considered a threat and a risk to others’ criminal activities. Picture: David Crosling

Fellow diners could be seen diving for cover under tables and running away as a hail of bullets was unleashed.

There was friction between crime kingpin George Marrogi’s Notorious Crime Family gang and Preston in recent months.

That related to trucks allegedly stolen from an NCF yard.

Investigators will also look into a previous meeting between Abbas Junior’s sister Sabrine and Preston at Crown casino in mid-August.

Sabrine is the girlfriend of George Marrogi’s younger brother Jesse.

Meanwhile, an investigation into the desecration of the crypt of drug kingpin George and Jesse’s sister Meshlin is continuing.

Preston, a fierce foe of Marrogi’s, has been mentioned in speculation about the July 30 atrocity at the Preston General Cemetery.

But the Herald Sun understands police do not believe he was involved.

Preston’s nickname, which he cultivated, was “Capable” because associates feared he was capable of anything.

Preston was implicated in at least two gangland killings and had recently been seen meeting associates of an outlaw bikie gang.

During his prison term for the Khoury killing, Preston almost died in a brutal stabbing inside maximum security Barwon Prison.

He had previously been a suspect in the 2011 near-fatal shooting of ex-bikie strongman Toby Mitchell in Brunswick, but never faced charges over that shooting.

Anyone with information on the Preston killing or the cemetery incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.