UPDATE: Police have confirmed that a sophisticated interstate crime syndicate is behind the brutal murder of Athan Boursinos, a 21-year-old gangster, who was shot dead in Wollert, a suburb in Melbourne, earlier this year. This shocking development sheds light on the ongoing violence linked to organized crime across state lines.
The targeted shooting occurred in July 2023, just moments before Boursinos was set to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges, including drug and weapons offenses. Authorities say members of the New South Wales (NSW) crime syndicate traveled to Melbourne just days before the murder to execute their plan.
Police reports indicate that Boursinos was ambushed in a laneway behind his family home. He was part of a street crew controlled by notorious illicit tobacco mogul Kazem Hamad and his cousin, suspected drug trafficker Ahmed Al Hamza. Boursinos was identified as a key player in a gang involved in drive-by shootings and violent assaults, raising serious concerns about the implications of this murder on community safety.
Following the shooting, the assailants allegedly fled in a stolen Nissan Patrol, later switching to a stolen Volkswagen Golf, which they set ablaze before escaping in a BMW. Police have released surveillance footage of two individuals they believe are connected to the crime and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt stated,
“We are still working to establish the possible motive, although we have several lines of inquiry underway. Athan’s various connections to organized crime add a greater level of complexity to the investigation.”
Images from the crime scene depict the severity of the incident, with evidence of gunfire evident on a grey 2018 BMW coupe. Two bullet holes were found piercing the open door, with shattered glass littering the ground, illustrating the violent nature of the attack.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any leads regarding the suspects who traveled from NSW to execute this murder. “If you believe you have any information relating to the men who may have traveled down from New South Wales to carry out this murder, now is the time to speak up,” added Hatt.
As police continue to investigate this chilling case, communities are left on edge, questioning the safety and influence of organized crime in their neighborhoods. The urgency of this situation cannot be understated, as the ripple effects of Boursinos’ connections to criminal activities become increasingly apparent.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as police work diligently to bring those responsible to justice.
