Update on alleged botched Ibrahim hit
Written by admin on October 22, 2024
Police will review CCTV after two men allegedly bungled an attempted hit on night-life figure John Ibrahim in a daylight attack in Sydney’s sought-after eastern suburbs.
Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, 24, and Yousif Zrayka, 20, did not appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday after they were charged over the alleged incident on July 25.
Police allege the men were targeting Mr Ibrahim when Mr Tupoulaji pointed a loaded pistol at the driver of a BMW, which was also carrying a child, for 10 seconds shortly before 8am.
Police allege Mr Tupolahi mistakenly targeted the wrong car and fled in a stolen rental car driven by Mr Zrayka before the pair were later stopped and subdued by police.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered two weapons – a loaded black revolver and a loaded semiautomatic pistol – as well as rubber gloves, and jerry cans full of petrol.
The court was told on Tuesday the pair’s lawyer had been served a partial brief of evidence, though the NSW DPP needed a further six weeks to review CCTV footage for a full brief.
A representative of the Crown told the court they were overseeing the matter prior to the service of the brief of evidence because it was a “special interest matter for the director”.
It comes after an interim order barring publication of Mr Ibrahim being the intended target of the alleged hit was lifted after his lawyer said they would not be seeking an extension of the order.
John Ibrahim rose to prominence as a former owner of a Kings Cross nightclub in Sydney, but more recently has become the subject of multiple dramaticised television series.
Mr Tupoulahi is facing 14 charges, including conspiring to murder a person, possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, and assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty.
Mr Zrayka has been charged with 11 offences, including conspiring to murder any person, possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, and take and drive conveyance without consent of owner.
The co-accused will reappear before the same court on December 12.
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