Mohammed Keshtiar linked to senior bikie figure involved in the illicit tobacco trade

The shooting death of an underworld figure known as “Afghan Ali” could be connected to the illicit tobacco trade.

The shooting unfolded on Almeida Crescent in South Yarra. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mohammed Keshtiar’s involvement in the illicit tobacco trade may have been a factor in his murder, underworld sources believe.

The influential and well-connected gangster known as “Afghan Ali” was shot dead in an apparent hit in South Yarra on Friday night.

He was returning to his luxury apartment from a visit to a nearby gym when the ambush was carried out by killers who are likely to have known his movements.

A man who was with Keshtiar and not shot had declined to help detectives investigating the murder, which unfolded on Almeida Crescent.

Mohammed Keshtiar was shot dead in an apparent hit in South Yarra.

There was talk in underworld circles – inflamed by a social media message – that Keshtiar had died for his involvement in something referred to as the “Victorian Ciggi Commission.”

That message said the commission had five days to shut down or there would be dire consequences.

“If you do not comply, you will follow the footsteps of your fellow Commission colleague. Kind regards, Your Worst Nightmare,” it read.

The Herald Sun has been unable to establish the veracity of the message.

But sources say Keshtiar had been aligned with a prominent Melbourne crime family and a senior bikie figure involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

There has been instability of late over market share in the outlaw tobacco and vape business, which is a huge money-spinner for powerful organised crime figures.

There was a series of firebombings and shootings of outlets earlier in the year and many of the shops have increased their security measures in recent times.

Those controlling the illicit element of the trade are making huge profits on a number of fronts as customers look for alternatives to the high-priced legal product.

They are importing knock-off “stick” cigarettes purchased cheaply from overseas and sold here at huge mark-ups.

Bigger operators are also operating farms at which they grow their own product which is later sold in shops as “chop-chop”.

Illegal vapes have emerged as another arm of their lucrative network.

Keshtiar was clearly making good money somehow.

He died while living at the Capitol Grand, a high-end apartment complex which commands top dollar because of its level of luxury and proximity to Chapel St.

An additional attraction for Keshtiar may have been the security offered by a complex with underground parking, swipe entry and heavy CCTV coverage.

He was a man who had made many enemies over the years and there had been at least one previous attempt on his life, in which Zabi Ezedyar was mistakenly shot by blundering Comanchero gunman Hasan Topal at Narre Warren in 2017.

The Keshtiar case shapes as a challenging inquiry for police.

The best witness, a man walking with the victim at the time, has declined to help police.

A car later found burnt-out at Rowville is believed to have been linked to the killing.

It had been incinerated, possibly to destroy forensic evidence.