Overseas puppeteers sought after NRL star’s shooting
Alex Mitchell |
Overseas masterminds who ordered the shooting of an NRL premiership star are police targets, after four teenagers were charged regarding the attack and an associated firebombing.
Former Canterbury and Wests Tigers winger Matt Utai was taken to hospital after being shot multiple times outside his home in Greenacre, in southwest Sydney, as he was about to drive to work on Tuesday morning.
The 2004 NRL premiership star was caught in the crossfire of his son Iziah Utai’s alleged criminal associations and escalating gang conflict, police said.
A 19-year-old accused of picking up the gunmen and a 16-year-old accused of handling the gun have each been charged with being an accessory after the fact to a shooting with intent to murder.
While the shooters have not yet been arrested, the head of the NSW Police organised crime squad took aim squarely at those pulling the strings.
“Identifying the masterminds overseas is still a primary goal of ours,” Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Abdy said.
“We’re able to work with law enforcement partners in other countries once they’re identified.
“There are people offshore because (they’re) simply too afraid to come to Australia and to NSW and commit crime.
“They’re using young people to commit crime on their behalf, promising them riches they will never, ever get.”
Shots were also fired at a home in outer western Sydney about 12.45am on Wednesday before a firebombing was carried out in Guildford West, near Parramatta, hours later. A woman in her 50s who was inside the first home was uninjured.
All incidents were targeting the Utai family, police said.
Matt Utai had surgery after being left with serious leg wounds from the attack and has since been transferred to a different hospital where he remains in a serious condition, police confirmed.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, whose playing career crossed over with Utai, said the club was praying for a quick recovery.
“He’s obviously a beloved Bulldog,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“I have been in touch with a couple of his teammates in recent days and we’re all praying for his health and safety and really hoping he pulls through.
“I know he’s got a lot of support from our club, and in particular, all the players he played with, they all love him.”
Four people were charged over the spate of attacks after police searched six properties across Sydney’s southwest and western suburbs.
An 18-year-old man arrested in Riverwood was charged with damaging property by fire and participating in a criminal group, accused of the firebombing in Guildford West. He was bailed to appear in court on March 10.
Another 19-year-old man was charged with participating in the criminal group related to the firebombing and commercial quantity drug supply after police allegedly found 1kg of cocaine at this house.
Unverified footage of alleged offenders taunting the younger Utai before firing off several shots have circulated on social media.
An underworld-focused media outlet also reported the Alameddine crime family was “at war” with a group dubbed the Coconut Cartel, sharing a message purportedly from the “one and only crime family”.
Authorities believe the younger Utai is overseas, with Det Act Supt Abdy confirming he is wanted by police for criminal group offences.
Police have set up a task force to crack down on the escalating gang violence, furnishing it with more than 100 investigators.
Matt Utai starred in the 2004 NRL grand final, scoring two tries as his Bulldogs knocked off the Sydney Roosters.
His former club said it was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the shooting.
The New Zealand and Samoa international played 167 NRL games, joining the Wests Tigers in 2011 and spending three seasons with the club.
AAP