“Victorian Gangland Figure ‘The Punisher’ Sam Abdulrahim Shot Dead in Melbourne

Sam Abdulrahim, a well-known former gangland figure, was shot and killed in a car park in Melbourne’s north on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 10:30 am near the Quest Hotel on High Street in Preston.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from Victoria Police said Abdulrahim, known as “The Punisher,” was walking to his car with his girlfriend when an attacker approached and fired multiple shots, including at his head. Abdulrahim, 32, died at the scene despite his girlfriend’s efforts to provide first aid before police and paramedics arrived. Fortunately, she escaped without physical injuries but was described as extremely distraught.

A white Porsche SUV believed to be involved in the attack was seen leaving the car park immediately after the shooting. It was later found burnt out at the intersection of Northernhay and Alexandra Streets in Reservoir, not far from the scene. Police believe multiple offenders were involved but are still determining the exact number.

Friends and family gathered near the crime scene, with some seen breaking down in distress as news of the shooting spread. Two women were spotted consoling each other on the side of the road.

 

Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Inspector Thomas confirmed that police were investigating previous threats made against Abdulrahim, who had a history as a gangland figure before becoming a kickboxer. Although there was no indication of an immediate threat to his life at the time, Abdulrahim had previously received safety warnings and advice from the police.

Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“This is an extremely traumatic event for his loved ones, especially the woman who was with him at the time,” Inspector Thomas said. Investigators are working to confirm details, including the weapon used and the number of shots fired.

The incident is believed to be a targeted attack, and sources have suggested a contract may have been out on Abdulrahim’s life. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Sam Abdulrahim, also known as “The Punisher,” had a controversial and tumultuous career. Some of his notable achievements include:

Professional Boxing:

Abdulrahim was a professional boxer and won the WBC Australasian cruiserweight title, which brought him recognition and respect within the boxing community.

Gangland Influence:

He was a significant figure in Melbourne’s underworld, known for his involvement in various criminal activities and his association with outlaw bikie clubs like the Mongols.

Surviving Multiple Assassination Attempts:

Abdulrahim survived several assassination attempts, including a botched hit outside his Thomastown home in 2022 and another planned hit outside Fawkner Cemetery in the same year.

Sam Abdulrahim’s death is surrounded by controversy due to his past and the nature of his demise. Here are some key points:

• Underworld figure: Abdulrahim was a well-known figure in Melbourne’s underworld, with a history of criminal activity and involvement in bikie gangs. This immediately raises questions about the motive and potential connections to other criminal figures.
• Targeted killing: The shooting appears to have been a targeted hit, suggesting a planned assassination rather than a random act of violence. This adds to the intrigue and speculation about who might have wanted him dead.
• Previous attempts on his life: Abdulrahim had survived previous attempts on his life, indicating he was a marked man. This raises questions about why he was a target and who was behind these attempts.
• Controversial figure: Abdulrahim was a controversial figure, known for his aggressive persona and involvement in various criminal activities. This makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction and understand the true circumstances surrounding his death.
• Lack of information: As the investigation is ongoing, there is limited information available to the public. This allows for speculation and rumors to spread, further fueling the controversy.

Overall, Sam Abdulrahim’s death is controversial due to his criminal past, the targeted nature of the killing, and the limited information available. This combination of factors creates an environment ripe for speculation and intrigue.

External link: Inside the decade-long feud that ended with the execution of Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim – ABC News

more news:Massive Bushfire in Victoria’s Little Desert Burns 65,000 Hectares, Destroys Lodge, and Leaves Residents with No Time to Evacuate

Bushfires Ravage Western Victoria: Lives and Homes at Risk

Bushfires are wreaking havoc in western Victoria, with two major fires threatening lives, homes, and beloved natural landmarks. The fires, sparked by dangerous lightning strikes during extreme fire conditions, have already burned through over 65,000 hectares and show no signs of slowing down. Communities near the Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park are on high alert, with urgent evacuation orders issued for residents in multiple towns.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” reads a VicEmergency alert. The safest option is to take shelter indoors as it may be too late to leave. Nearby residents in Dimboola and Wail have been instructed to close all doors, windows, and vents. “Shelter in a room with two exits, like a door or window, to see outside.”

A Watch and Act warning covers several areas: Cooack, Duchembegarra, Gerang Gerung, Goroke, Grass Flat, Kiata, Kinimakatka, Lawloit, Little Desert, Nurcoung, Peronne, Pimpinio, Winiam, and Winiam East. Luke Heagerty from the State Control Centre noted that the fire had grown to over 50,000 hectares as of Monday.

“What’s remarkable is the fire’s intensity; it’s creating its own weather system,” Heagerty said. “The extreme heat will likely cause harm before flames arrive. This fire still has the potential to behave erratically due to its intensity, even with a cool change.”

 

Residents are advised to:

• Travel to family or friends’ homes away from the warned areas.
• Take essential items like pets, medications, and mobile phones when leaving.
• In the car: Make a U-turn and head to safety, keeping headlights on to navigate through smoke.

If you can’t leave, shelter indoors:

• Close all exterior doors, windows, and vents, and turn off cooling systems.
• Shelter before the fire arrives, as extreme heat is likely to be deadly before flames reach you.
• If indoors isn’t an option, seek refuge in large open areas like ploughed paddocks or large water bodies like dams, lakes, or rivers.

When caught in a fire while driving:

• Park behind solid structures or in clear areas to block heat.
• Keep hazard lights and headlights on.
• Turn off air-conditioning and air vents, with windows closed.
• Get low below window level and cover yourself with a pure wool blanket.

Picture: Limestone Cost Community News / Facebook.

What Lies Ahead

Fire authorities are racing against time, with temperatures expected to soar into the 40s later in the week. “We have limited time to control these fires before severe fire weather returns,” said Luke Heagerty from the State Control Centre. Both the Little Desert and Grampians National Parks are likely to remain closed as a precaution.

For now, the Western Highway remains closed between Horsham and Dimboola, and between Dimboola and Nhill. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated via VicEmergency and prioritize their safety.

The fire danger rating remains extreme across much of the state, and total fire bans were enacted for Wimmera, Mallee, South West, Central, and North Central regions. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan cautioned that the conditions have made firefighting tremendously challenging. However, a late cool change is expected to reduce the temperature significantly by today.

To prevent bushfires:

• Clear dry vegetation and create firebreaks.
• Maintain a defensible space around properties.
• Install ember-proof shutters and use non-flammable building materials.
• Properly dispose of yard waste and avoid open fires.
• Follow local fire regulations and stay informed.
• Support controlled burns and reforestation efforts to reduce fuel loads.

link: Bushfire in Victoria’s west burns 65,000 hectares in a day, destroys Little Desert Nature Lodge and homes – ABC News

read more:Victorian Gangland Figure Sam Abdulrahim Shot Dead in Melbourne