Cross-border hit: Police believe interstate gang gunned down Melbourne underworld figure
Investigators suspect a sophisticated crime syndicate from New South Wales orchestrated the calculated killing of a young Melbourne gangster in a northern suburb. The murder was executed with precision, using several vehicles stolen months before the attack.
Athan Boursinos, son of a former police officer, was found shot dead in a laneway behind his family’s home in Wollert, in northern Melbourne. His death occurred shortly before a scheduled appearance at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court to face drug, firearms, and traffic charges in July.
“We know that Athan was heavily connected to organised crime. We’re working through numerous avenues relating to his background and who he is connected with,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt on Friday.
Police intelligence indicates that the killing was ordered by a New South Wales crime group that employed professional hitmen. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the crime, but it is believed the attack was a contract killing.
According to previous reports by The Age, Boursinos was affiliated with a local street crew run by illicit tobacco figure Kazem Hamad and his cousin, suspected drug trafficker Ahmed al-Hamza. The 21-year-old had also been linked to the assassination of notorious Melbourne underworld identity Suleiman “Sam” Abdulrahim at a Preston hotel in January.
Author’s summary
The murder of Athan Boursinos reveals growing interstate ties in Australia’s organized crime scene, with NSW gangs suspected of orchestrating violent acts across state lines.