It has come to light that the man who was shot dead in a parking ambush at a shopping centre in Melbourne had ties to the criminal underworld in the area.
The shooting victim, 27-year-old Robert Issa, has been named as authorities look into his involvement in the turf battle between organised criminal syndicates.
Around 3 p.m. yesterday, four masked males approached the white Mercedes that Issa was sitting in outside the Craigieburn Central shopping centre on Windrock Avenue, according to the police.
According to authorities, there were many gunshots, striking both of the males inside the automobile.
A 28-year-old Hadfield man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and Issa passed away at the scene.
It occurs when law enforcement battles two formidable organised crime groups that have gained access to the lucrative black market for cigarette products.
“Let me be very clear and make no mistake: these criminal syndicates and their associated offending has the complete attention of Victoria Police and our partner agencies,” said Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly.
We will keep advancing to the top of these syndicates. “Police are aware of a number of major players.”
When the attack happened, people at the mall described it as “scary” and “unreal”5.
“It made me feel uneasy,” a parent expressed.
Four males, according to the police, escaped in a black Range Rover Sport that was subsequently discovered burned in Westmeadows, some 12 kilometres distant.
After getting into a blue Toyota Corolla, the balaclava-wearing guys dumped the car in Reservoir, which is close to Merri Creek. Although the shooting may have been targeted, the residents are terrified.
When Issa’s parents were sleeping inside his family’s home last month, bullets were flying everywhere.
According to the police, there are disagreements among the groups about illegal narcotics and tobacco use.
Authorities say Issa might be connected to either. They’re pledging to take tough measures against two rival Middle Eastern organised crime groups that have ties to bikers who recruit young criminals to carry out their orders by extorting and burning tobacco companies.
At Craigieburn Central, flower tributes have flourished, and the site where Issa breathed his last is marked by an empty vehicle space.
