NSW Police say they are “coming after” two Sydney crime families after the arrest of the brother of jailed Brothers 4 Life founder, Bassam Hamzy, in Sydney’s west.
Key points:
- Ghassan Amoun was arrested at a home in Auburn last night
- NSW Police say they will “lawfully harass” crime gangs
- Mr Amoun potentially faces five years in jail if found guilty
Ghassan Amoun, 34, was arrested last night by Strike Force Raptor officers at a home in Auburn after he was allegedly found to be in breach of a Serious Crime Prevention Order imposed on him and three others last December.
The Supreme Court order came in response to escalating tensions between the Hamzy and Alameddine crime families and imposes strict controls over Mr Amoun’s activities, including his communication with known associates and rivals.
Police allege Mr Amoun was found in possession of multiple mobile devices and failed to provide correct vehicle information.
Under the crime prevention order, Mr Amoun must notify police within 24 hours of getting a new phone or vehicle.
Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, the head of Strike Force Raptor, warned crime gangs that NSW Police are “coming after you”.
“If you do not want to comply by orders of the courts … we will lawfully harass you until you detest from your acts of violence and stop your unlawful activities.”
Mr Amoun is one of four Hamzy family members slapped with Serious Crime Prevention Orders, restricting his movements amid an escalating war with the Alameddines.
In October, Mr Amoun’s other brother, 44-year-old Mejid Hamzy, was murdered just metres away from his wife and children outside his Condell Park home by two balaclava-clad gunmen.
Bassam Hamzy is currently serving a 40-year jail sentence for murder.
Five people have been shot dead in a series of targeted attacks across Sydney’s west and south-western suburbs over the past six months.
There is no evidence either family is directly involved in any of the shootings,
Detective Superintendent Weinstein said it was “always a concern things will get worse”.
“The people that should be allowed to walk around the streets safely and own the streets, are the citizens of NSW and not the criminals who think it’s their own playground.”
Mr Amoun was denied bail to face Burwood Local Court later today.
Detective Superintendent Weinstein said Mr Amoun potentially faces a five-year prison term if found guilty.
