Australia: Underworld Criminal Fatally Shot in Melbourne
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Synopsis
A targeted shooting in Melbourne has resulted in the death of an underworld figure known as 'The Punisher.' Suleiman 'Sam' Abdulrahim, 32, was shot in a hotel car park, prompting investigations into the assailants' escape and possible links to previous attempts on his life.
Key Takeaways
- The Punisher identified as Suleiman Sam Abdulrahim, 32.
- Shot while in a hotel parking facility in Preston, Melbourne.
- Multiple attackers involved; they fled in a white vehicle.
- Authorities are investigating a burnt-out Porsche found nearby.
- Abdulrahim had survived prior assassination attempts.
Melbourne, Jan 28 (NationPress) The individual who lost his life in a shooting incident in the northern suburbs of Melbourne on Tuesday morning has been recognized as an Australian criminal figure known as The Punisher.
The Punisher, whose real name is Suleiman Sam Abdulrahim, 32, was attacked by multiple assailants in the underground parking area of a hotel located in Preston, approximately 9 km north of Melbourne's city center, at around 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the Victoria Police Homicide Squad disclosed to reporters on Tuesday afternoon that The Punisher Abdulrahim succumbed to his injuries at the scene, despite efforts to provide first aid from a woman believed to be his girlfriend, as well as police and ambulance personnel.
"Family and friends are extremely heartbroken, and rightly so, they have lost someone dear to them," Thomas stated.
The inspector further noted that authorities suspect the individuals responsible for this deliberate attack fled the site in a white vehicle. Investigators are looking into a charred Porsche, discovered shortly after in a nearby neighborhood, to determine if it is associated with the murder, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Abdulrahim had previously spent three years in prison due to a deadly car accident and had survived several assassination attempts before this incident.
In 2022, he was shot eight times in the chest and stomach at a cemetery situated in Melbourne's northern area. In May 2024, he narrowly avoided injury when shots were fired at him as he exited his residence.
Nine Entertainment newspapers reported on Tuesday that Abdulrahim had recently gone into hiding to evade a bounty of one million Australian dollars (equivalent to 625,532 US dollars) placed on his life.
Thomas indicated that law enforcement had previously engaged with him regarding his safety and that investigators would seek to understand how the shooters were able to locate him.
