Pair accused of plot to kill John Ibrahim are basketball opponents

The two men charged with conspiracy to murder Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim were semi-professional basketballers who played in the same competition. Here is what we know.

The two men charged with conspiracy to murder Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim were semi-professional basketballers who competed in the same western Sydney competition, until one had to retire due to injury.

Police allege Yousif Zrayka, 20 and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulah, 24, planned to assassinate Mr Ibrahim at his Dover Heights home on July 25, but got their target wrong twice.

Two men in balaclavas who were arrested after being spotted in George St in Dover Heights armed with a gun near the home of John Ibrahim. Picture: Channel 7

Detectives are now investigating whether the alleged kill plot is linked to an old beef with Mr Ibrahim’s older brother Michael, who is currently in jail serving a 20 year sentence for his role in importing illegal tobacco.

John Ibrahim is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Given the two men’s limited history with police and very little being known about them, detectives are also trying to work out how they came to be involved in the alleged take-down plot of one of Sydney’s most high profile men.

John Ibrahim disembarking superyacht Ghost II on Sydney Harbour, where he celebrated radio host Jackie O’s birthday. Picture: Thomas Lisson

The Saturday Telegraph has been told Zrayka and Tupoulahi met while playing competitive basketball about six years ago.

Former teammates of Tupoulahi, who police claim pointed a loaded pistol at a black SUV with a child in the front passenger seat, said he was a talented player but an injury last year forced him to withdraw from competitive sport.

A court was told Tupoulahi was possibly suffering from a mental disability that inhibited his brain function.

Two men in balaclavas who were arrested in George Street in Dover Heights. Picture: Channel 7

His lawyer Ben Barrack said further medical evidence was being gathered, but that his client had “slowed in his process of comprehension and absorbing information” following a workplace accident.

He said Tupoulahi was recently working as a carpenter and lived with his parents, who he was the sole provider for.

Police allege that after Tupoulahi, who was wearing a balaclava and dark-coloured clothing, pointed a gun at the wrong vehicle, and jumped into a stolen getaway car driven by plumber Yousif Zrayka, 20.

One of the men were allegedly armed with a gun. Picture: Channel 7

“Not the same team but same games … I think it is how they met, they (were) both very skilful players,” a teammate of Tupoulahi said.

On a Bankstown Bulls social media post, Zrayka is described as having “fearless poker face defence and plenty of go forward, sound attitude and a solid forward.

“Thanks for an awesome season Yousif,” the post read.

Sergeant Adrian Walsh previously told a court the alleged plot was “well planned but very poorly executed”.

John Ibrahim leaving his home after the incident. Picture: David Swift

Alarmed residents and one of the motorists who allegedly had a gun pointed at them called police, who pursued the pair in a car along Old South Head Rd at Vaucluse.

When the men were arrested, police allegedly discovered a loaded black revolver, a loaded semiautomatic pistol and jerry cans full of petrol in the stolen hire car.

The pair will remain in custody until their next court date on October 22.

Originally published as Pair accused of plot to kill John Ibrahim are basketball opponents