Suspects in the ambush of gangland figure Sam Abdulrahim flee on false passports
The botched hit on gangland figure Sam Abdulrahim was such a disaster, two suspects fled to Dubai knowing the fallout would be immense.
Police & Courts
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Two suspects in the ambush of gangland figure Sam Abdulrahim fled to Dubai knowing the botched hit had left those involved badly exposed.
At least eight people have been implicated in the attack on former Mongol bikie Abdulrahim as he sat in his Mercedes-Benz G-class at his cousin’s funeral.
The suspected role of the fugitives, who bolted on false passports within 48 hours of the shooting, is publicly unclear.
But it is known that their trip to get out of Melbourne was hastily put together, possibly because things had gone so badly on June 25 at Fawkner Cemetery.
The Mazda SUV used by the panicked shooters crashed into a fire hydrant and pole on Box Forest Rd as they escaped, potentially leaving an evidence bonanza for police.
Investigators believe their plan would have been to destroy any forensic clues by incinerating the Mazda, using petrol from jerry cans purchased at a Bunnings in Epping on June 15 by a man who travelled there in a silver Subaru.
That man was caught on CCTV released last week by police and the same Subaru was seized from Craigieburn during a sweep of armed crime squad raids on Monday.
It is not known whether the runaway suspects remain in the United Arab Emirates or whether they left for another part of the Middle-East.
Epping man Yasir Al Qassim, 18, faces a charge of attempted murder and five other people were arrested and allowed to leave without charge, pending further inquiries.
Mr Al Qassim, who is on remand after a brief appearance in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, is not believed to be affiliated with any bikie gangs.
There is persistent talk of one feared gangland figure’s involvement in what happened at Fawkner.
That man has a long history of firearms and gun crime and is considered one of the major movers and shakers in Melbourne’s Middle-eastern organised crime sphere.
He is known to have strong connections with figures who have in the past been in conflict with Abdulrahim.
Underworld sources said news of arrests was welcomed by some, but there were fears for retaliatory attacks.
“Those with a target on their back are safer in jail,” one source said.
“It’s an eye for an eye.”
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