About 200 people gathered at the Alawi Islamic Association of Victoria in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Epping to bid farewell to slain gangland figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim.
The 34-year-old was shot dead by gunmen in front of his girlfriend outside a hotel in Melbourne on Tuesday morning.
A Life Cut Short: Abdulrahim’s Turbulent Past
Abdulrahim, known for his boxing moniker “The Punisher,” had a history of underworld conflicts, which made him a marked man.
Police were aware of multiple threats to his life, including a reported $1 million contract. Despite this, Abdulrahim returned to Australia the day before he was killed.
Emotional Funeral Service
The funeral service was attended by mourners from various backgrounds, including some with possible gang affiliations.
The atmosphere was emotional, with Abdulrahim’s father, Farouk Abdulrahim, breaking down outside the community center.
Mourners carried flowers that spelled out Abdulrahim’s nickname, “Suna,” and three men arrived on high-powered motorbikes, one of which had a decal reading “The Punisher.”
Police Presence and Investigation
There was a light police presence in the surrounding streets, with three marked cars parked several hundred meters from the funeral.
Police are still investigating the killing and have found two burnt-out cars, a Porsche and a Ford Ranger, which are believed to be connected to the crime.
A Life Remembered: Tributes to Abdulrahim
A funeral notice described Abdulrahim as a man “full of life” who was “taken too soon.” He was remembered as a loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, partner, and friend.
Mourners paid their respects, with some urging the media to take photos to remember Abdulrahim.
Previous Attempts on Abdulrahim’s Life
Abdulrahim had survived several attempts on his life, including being shot five times in the chest and stomach at a Melbourne cemetery in 2022.
His parents’ house was also sprayed with 17 bullets in May 2024. Despite these attempts, Abdulrahim remained defiant, as seen in a video obtained by the Herald Sun, where he jokes with a gangland rival about the failed attempts on his life.
The Search for Justice Continues
Police are still searching for the perpetrators of the crime and are investigating the circumstances surrounding Abdulrahim’s death.
The community is in shock, and the funeral service was a somber reminder of the violence that has plagued Melbourne’s underworld. As the investigation continues, one thing is certain – Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim will not be forgotten.