In a significant development in the investigation into the execution of a teenage gangster and his father in Sydney’s west, two men have been arrested and warrants have been issued for three others believed to be in Lebanon. Salim Hamze, 18, and Toufik Hamze, 64, were gunned down outside their Guildford home as they left for work together in 2021. Detectives believe that Salim, who was heavily involved in Sydney’s underworld, was the target of the gunmen, with his father Toufik being an innocent victim caught in the crossfire. The murders of both father and son were described by State Crime Commander Assistant Commissioner Mick Fitzgerald as one of the worst organised crime assassinations in Australia.
On Wednesday morning, a 29-year-old man was taken from prison to Goulburn police station, where he was expected to be charged with two counts of murder and being part of a criminal group in connection to the killings of Toufik and Salim Hamze. Another man was arrested during a raid at a home in Austral, southwest Sydney, and is also expected to be charged with two counts of murder and for his involvement in a criminal group. Arrest warrants were issued for three other men believed to be involved in the murders — Rafat Alameddine, John Ray Bayssari, and Zaid Abdelhafez. All three men are believed to be on the run in Lebanon.
The arrest of the two men and issuance of warrants for three others mark a major breakthrough in the investigation into the killings of Toufik and Salim Hamze. The father and son were victims of a targeted attack by alleged gunmen believed to be part of Sydney’s underworld. The arrests and warrants are a significant step towards bringing those responsible for the callous murders to justice. State Crime Commander Assistant Commissioner Mick Fitzgerald described the killings as one of the worst organised crime assassinations in Australia, highlighting the violence and depravity involved in the case.
The murders of Toufik and Salim Hamze shocked the community and law enforcement agencies, drawing attention to the prevalence of organised crime and violence in Sydney’s underworld. The investigation into the killings has been ongoing since 2021, with police working diligently to gather evidence and identify suspects. The arrests and warrants issued for the three men believed to be in Lebanon indicate progress in the case, as authorities continue to pursue justice for the victims and their families. The involvement of individuals in criminal groups and the targeted nature of the attack underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
The arrests and issuance of warrants in connection to the killings of Toufik and Salim Hamze demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement authorities to holding those responsible for violent crimes accountable. The targeted attack on the father and son highlighted the dangers associated with involvement in the underworld and organised crime activities. As the investigation continues and efforts are made to locate and apprehend the three suspects believed to be in Lebanon, the community waits for justice to be served. The arrests serve as a reminder of the persistence and dedication of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice and bringing closure to families affected by violent crimes.
