‘Execution-style’: Inside the brazen alleged plot to murder John Ibrahim

For the first time, we can reveal that police allege two men planned to kill Ibrahim execution-style in an “organised crime contract murder”.

Two men planned to kill Sydney identity John Ibrahim outside his home in an execution-style assassination that has “all the hallmarks of an organised crime contract murder”, police allege.

For the first time, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that police will argue in court that Yousif Zrayka, 21, and Siaosi Tupoulahi, 24, took steps to commit the “execution-style murder of a high-profile member of the community with links to organised crime through their family”.

The pair’s actions also resembled an underworld contract killing, it will be alleged.

Police are scrutinising whether the alleged failed hit on Mr Ibrahim outside his Dover Heights home in July was orchestrated by someone with a grudge against his brother Michael Ibrahim, who is behind bars for serious drug offending.

Mr Ibrahim had nothing to do with his brother’s crimes and he has never been found guilty of any criminal offence.

John Ibrahim (pictured) was at home at the time of the alleged incident. Picture: Tim Hunter

Police arrest one of the men on the day. Picture: Channel 7

He has refused to give any statement to police about the alleged planned hit on him.

According to police, Zrayka and Tupoulahi drove to Mr Ibrahim’s mansion and lied in wait five addresses up his street about 7.11am on July 25.

Mr Ibrahim was home at the time and his car, a black Range Rover 4WD, was parked in the driveway.

But Zrayka and Tupoulahi then became confused when two cars that were identical to Mr Ibrahim’s drove around the street, police will allege.

At 8.17am, a driver in an “identical vehicle to Mr Ibrahim’s” drove from the vicinity of his home towards them, police state.

Zrayka and Tupoulahi allegedly mistook this car for Mr Ibrahim’s before Zrayka, who was driving, suddenly swerved out to block the street, forcing the other car to stop.

Tupoulahi then allegedly opened their car’s rear door before they realised they had the wrong car.

At 8.18am, a second car identical to Mr Ibrahim’s drove towards Zrayka and Tupoulahi’s car.

Again, they allegedly mistook this vehicle to be the vehicle of Mr Ibrahim’s, police will allege in court.

Police struggle with one of the men. Picture: Channel 7

Tupoulahi allegedly exited his car, walked towards the second car and raised a Glock pistol at its driver.

He then allegedly realised Mr Ibrahim was not in the car and backed away.

At 8.21am, an occupant of the other car called police.

Zrayka and Tupoulahi allegedly fled the scene.

Police managed to intercept them when they were blocked by heavy traffic on New South Head Rd in Bondi.

Zrayka pulled down his window and surrendered to police.

As officers approached the car, they allegedly saw Tupoulahi “in the process of destroying a mobile phone which was discarded in the vehicle”.

He then allegedly tried to run away but was eventually arrested on foot.

Police also located additional cars that were going to be used as “drop cars” by the two to help them escape “following the murder of Ibrahim”, police will allege in court.

Police will allege the incident possessed “all the hallmarks of an organised crime contract murder”.

They also will argue Tupoulahi and Zrayki took steps to commit the “execution style murder of a high profile member of the community with links to organised crime through their family”.

Zrayka and Tupoulahi, legally represented by high profile defence barrister Talal Krayem, remain before the courts.

They remain in custody, are charged with conspiracy to murder and have not entered any pleas.

Originally published as ‘Execution-style’: Inside the brazen alleged plot to murder John Ibrahim