Assassination Plot Targeting John Ibrahim Unveiled in Sydney

Sydney businessman John Ibrahim has been revealed as the target of an alleged assassination attempt. This disclosure follows the abandonment of a court-imposed confidentiality order. The suspects, Yousif Zrayka and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, both in their 20s, were apprehended near Ibrahim’s home in Dover Heights, a prestigious area in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The situation unfolded on the morning of July 26, when the sight of men clad in balaclavas and armed with a pistol sparked alarm during the busy school run. Authorities received reports of a gunman confronting a driver on George Street, Dover Heights, approximately at 8:20 am. A Cupra SUV, allegedly stolen and driven by Zrayka, was stopped by police following a chase down Old South Head Road, ending near Bellevue Hill.

Tupoulahi reportedly attempted to escape on foot, traversing local lawns until law enforcement officers found him concealed in a backyard on Banksia Road. Post-arrest, Ibrahim, a former nightclub owner, was seen conversing with police at his clifftop residence. There is no implication of misconduct on Ibrahim’s part. The police assert that the two suspects intended to assassinate him.

Two firearms, a semi-automatic and a revolver, were allegedly discovered in the vehicle the suspects used. Tupoulahi faces 11 serious charges, including possessing a loaded firearm in public, stalking with intent to intimidate, and assaulting a police officer. Zrayka has been charged with eight offences, such as firearm possession in a public space and intimidation. Both men have been charged with conspiracy to murder, a crime punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.

Their court cases were briefly addressed at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court and subsequently adjourned until October. During the proceedings, Abbas Soukie, Ibrahim’s legal representative, initially obtained a suppression order on Ibrahim’s identity. However, Soukie later informed Magistrate Daniel Covington that the order would not be pursued further, allowing Mr. Ibrahim to be publicly named.

The plot, described by police as “well-planned but poorly executed,” involved the use of pistols, balaclavas, gloves, fuel cans, and a vehicle with cloned plates. Further investigation revealed the suspects allegedly targeted vehicles resembling their intended target’s during their operations. On one occasion, Tupoulahi reportedly approached a vehicle, provoking a response from the occupant who held their hands aloft when faced with the suspect brandishing a pistol.