A shocking crime has rocked Melbourne’s northeast, with police believing that gangland figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was shot dead in front of his girlfriend in an underground carpark.
The 32-year-old former Mongols bikie was walking to his car at the Quest serviced apartments on High St in Preston when he was gunned down.
The Attack
According to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Abdulrahim was approached by the offender and multiple shots were fired.
His girlfriend, who was with him at the time, is “obviously extremely distraught and upset” but physically unharmed. She tried to render first aid to Abdulrahim, but unfortunately, he passed away from his gunshot injuries.
Investigation Underway
Police are working to piece together the events surrounding the shooting and are investigating whether the attack was targeted.
They have found a white Porsche SUV, which is believed to have fled the scene, burnt out in nearby Reservoir. The Homicide Squad is leading the investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A History of Violence
Abdulrahim had been in hiding since May last year after two failed attempts on his life. In 2022, he was shot several times in the chest while leaving his cousin’s funeral at Fawkner cemetery.
There was also a reported $1 million contract out on his life. Police had previously warned him about potential threats, but they were not aware of any imminent danger.
Concerns of Retaliation
Police are concerned about the potential for retaliation and have increased their visible presence in the area. However, they have not received any information to suggest that there will be retaliation.
The Public Order Response Team and the Critical Incident Response Team have been deployed to the scene, which remains cordoned off.
Who Was Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim?
Abdulrahim was a professional boxer who went by the name “The Punisher” in the ring. He had been involved in several incidents, including assassination attempts and arson attacks, since he was first targeted outside Fawkner Cemetery.
His home was set alight in an arson attack in 2022, and a gym linked to him was targeted by arsonists twice in 2024.
If you have any information about the fatal shooting, please contact police. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to bring those responsible to justice.