New South Wales Police have arrested eight individuals linked to the Haouchar organised crime network, shedding light on a tragic triple shooting incident in Greenacre that claimed the life of Ahmad Al-Azzam and left two others injured.
The shooting occurred on July 27, with three individuals targeted while sitting in two parked cars on Mayvic Street.
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NSW Police revealed that the crime gang, operating under the mistaken belief that they were under attack, unleashed gunfire on the victims.
Ahmad Al-Azzam, 25, tragically lost his life after being shot while sitting alone in his car, while a 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, who were in a separate car 60 metres away, also fell victim to the gunfire.
The woman has since recovered from her injuries, while the man now faces lifelong spinal injuries.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein revealed the Haouchar group members erroneously believed Al-Azzam was associated with a rival network suspected to be the Comanchero bikie gang.
The gang had allegedly been preparing for an imminent attack on one of their members.
“We will allege that Mr. Al-Azzam…was approached by a stolen vehicle that some of the perpetrators were in and without interrogation… or any interaction between the two vehicles, had a large number of rounds fired into that car,” Chief Superintendent Weinstein explained.
Detective Acting Superintendent Virgina Gorman, commander of Task Force Magnus, revealed that investigators have identified the shooter, who fled overseas soon after the incident.
While the triggerman remains at large, four other individuals have been arrested and are expected to face charges related to the alleged murder of Al-Azzam and the shooting of the couple.
“It’s one of the most callous crimes that I’ve seen in my 28 years in regards to investigating organised crime.”
All eight individuals, ranging in age from 21 to 40, were in the process of being charged as of Wednesday afternoon and are expected to appear in court later this week.
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