Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim shot dead next to girlfriend in Melbourne parking lot: police
A prominent former gangland figure was walking to his car with his girlfriend when he was shot multiple times, police allege.
A prominent former gangland figure was walking to his car with his girlfriend when he was shot and killed.
Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was shot multiple times, including in the head in an alleged ambush in the car park of Quest Hotel on High St in Preston about 10am on Tuesday.
Officers believe a white Porsche SUV, which was seen leaving the carpark immediately after the shooting may be involved.
The vehicle was dumped and set alight on the intersection of Northernhay and Alexandra St in Reservoir.
Many gathered as news of the incident spread.
Friends and family were seen breaking down near the area where police had sealed off.
Two distraught women were seen holding each other as they sat on the side of the road.
While yet to officially confirm the man’s identity, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said detectives did believe the victim to be Abdulrahim.
He said Abdulrahim was with a woman believed to be with his girlfriend when he was shot outside an apartment block he was staying in.
“That female is extremely distraught and upset … she did her best to render first aid and was assisted by police and ambulance,” he said.
Investigators remained at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, with officers yet to confirm how many bullets were fired or from what gun.
Threats made in the past against Abdulrahim, a gangland figure turned kickboxer, will also form part of the police investigation.
“We are aware that there has been a number of incidents in the past where threats have been made to this particular male,” Inspector Thomas said.
“On each occasion, safety warnings have been provided to him by Victoria Police.”
Asked if he thought it was “only a matter of time” given the threats made against Abdulrahim previously, Inspector Thomas said “I think common sense prevails”.
“Perhaps that is the case. But, at this stage we have nothing to suggest there was a live threat that was imminent,” Inspector Thomas said.
“Because, if we did, then we would have shared that information with him.
“We believe he was aware his life was at risk and may still have been at risk … He was provided with options.”
Inspector Thomas said Abdulrahim was previously provided with “safety messaging” that gave him with “a number of options”.
Victoria Police earlier confirmed they believed the shooting was targeted.
His killers fled in a white vehicle, possibly a Mercedes or Porsche, according to reports from witnesses.
Shortly after 10.30am, police were called to the intersection of Northernhay and Alexandra streets in Reservoir in relation to a car fire.
Police believe the vehicle, a white Porsche, is linked to the shooting of Abdulrahim.
They are calling on anyone who may have seen the vehicle in Preston or Reservoir, or who may have CCTV or dashcam video, to come forward.
Homicide squad detectives are investigating surrounding the death of the man, who police say is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene has been established at Preston.
The 34-year-old former Mongol bikie-turned-kickboxer is believed to have been living in hiding after multiple alleged targeted shootings.
Abdulrahim was leaving his home in Thomastown last year when shortly after 3am the property was shot at 17 times – the boxer miraculously escaped injury.
The Herald Sun reported Abdulrahim had been lured outside after his parents’ car was set on fire and had stormed after the alleged attacks as they fled.
Two years earlier, he was targeted at Fawkner Cemetery on June 25, 2022 — when he was shot five times in the chest and stomach.
He is also understood to have been the target of multiple murder contracts, firebombings, assaults, and a prison bashing.
Just months ago, a boxing gym linked to the professional fighter was targeted in a suspected arson attack – the second in less than a week.
The same building was ramraided by a stolen BMW X5 before several individuals entered the ground floor shop and set it alight.
Victoria Police said at the time they believed Power Gymnasium, located on the second floor, was the intended target.
His Mercedes four-wheel-drive was sprayed by bullets as he was leaving his cousin’s funeral.
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He made a full recovery and returned to boxing in May 2023.
In June 2024, Abdulrahim competed at Spaceplus Arena in Bangkok in the WBC Australian Cruiserweight Championship against Thai fighter Narong Phumrakson.
His social media is filled with videos of him training, including as recently as August, 2024.
In May post, Abdulrahim said: “Throw me to the wolves and I will come out leading the pack”.
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