Alleged Alameddine Crime Family Leader Charged with Conspiracy to Murder
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NSW Police have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation of Sydney’s escalating gang violence, charging a man alleged to be the “onshore” leader of the Alameddine crime family with conspiracy to murder. The arrest of Ali Elmoubayed, 32, marks what authorities are calling the biggest success yet for Taskforce Falcon, established to quell the ongoing conflict.
Escalating Violence and a Fractured Clan
The arrest of Elmoubayed, who was taken into custody in Croydon Park on Tuesday, comes amid a period of heightened tension and retaliatory attacks stemming from an internal feud within the Alameddine network. Police allege Elmoubayed conspired to murder two rival gangland figures, and also faces charges of soliciting another to commit murder, recruiting a child into criminal activity, and multiple drug-related offenses.
The fracturing of the Alameddines began with the departure of key members to rival groups, most notably the KVT, triggering a series of shootings and firebombings across Sydney in recent months. A senior official stated that the violence represents a dangerous escalation of organized crime activity in the region.
Attempts on a Defector’s Life
Central to the allegations against Elmoubayed is his alleged solicitation of the murder of Samimjan Azari, a former Alameddine member who defected to a competing group. Azari has reportedly survived three attempts on his life this year, including a shooting in May at Granville that resulted in the death of Dawood Zakaria.
In June, Azari narrowly escaped an ambush at a kebab shop in Auburn, where gunmen opened fire on him, his associates, and a worker. A photograph released by police shows the moment the shooting unfolded.
Narrow Escape for Elmoubayed Himself
The escalating violence isn’t one-sided. In June, Elmoubayed himself was the target of a shooting, with gunmen opening fire on his home just four minutes after he departed for a court appearance in Parramatta. CCTV footage captured a Porsche believed to be the getaway vehicle.
Expanding Investigation and Further Arrests
Beyond the alleged conspiracy to murder Azari, Elmoubayed is also accused of plotting the murder of another underworld figure in Kogarah Bay in August. As part of coordinated raids targeting associates of the Alameddine family, a woman and two other men have also been charged and are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
The Alameddines have long been identified by law enforcement as a major player in Sydney’s drug trade, operating a sophisticated organized crime network throughout the city’s west. Their leader, Rafat Alameddine, remains at large after fleeing to Lebanon in 2023, where he is wanted on a warrant for conspiring to murder.
Taskforce Falcon, launched in May, is also focusing on “the Afghan crew,” a network allegedly providing firearms for hire. The arrest of Elmoubayed represents a significant step in disrupting the Alameddine’s operations and restoring order to Sydney’s streets. Elmoubayed is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday.
