Detectives charge Samir Chaarani, the alleged money man of the Notorious Crime Family operation

A global manhunt is underway for Reservoir man and Notorious Crime Family figure Samir Chaarani over alleged proceeds of crime offences.

Samir Chaarani was last known to be in Lebanon.

A warrant for the arrest of a Notorious Crime Family member has been issued as a manhunt for him extends to the Middle-East.

Detectives from Victoria Police’s organised crime breaking Echo Taskforce have charged Samir Chaarani of Reservoir and are keen for his return to face four proceeds of crime offences.

Mr Chaarani, who was last known to be in Lebanon, is the alleged money man of the NCF operation which was masterminded by jailed kingpin George Marrogi.

The 59-year-old is facing charges of dealing in more than $10 million in money or property being proceeds of crime and three other similar charges.

Jailed kingpin George Marrogi.

Police hunting Mr Chaarani say they want to interview him as part of an investigation into a “large-scale Middle Eastern Organised Crime syndicate”.

“At this time police believe the man remains offshore,” a police statement said.

The Echo task force investigation commenced in October 2020 to rid the gang’s access to firearms and detect large-scale drug importation and unexplained wealth.

High ranking syndicate members were charged last year as part of the operation, which was run in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police and other Commonwealth agencies.

As revealed by the Herald Sun, Marrogi ran a massive drug importing operation by phone from within Barwon Prison through a network, including his girlfriend, Antonietta Mannella.

Marrogi, a convicted murderer, and Ms Mannella have since pleaded guilty to high-level drug charges.

Mr Chaarani has had several business ventures ranging from running a taxi service to property development.