Underworld Figure Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim Survives Second Assassination Attempt in Melbourne Suburb

A well-known underworld figure, Suleiman “Sam” Abdulrahim, popularly known as ‘The Punisher’, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in the Melbourne suburb of Thomastown. The 32-year-old Abdulrahim, a former Mongols bikie and professional boxer, was targeted outside his residence in the early hours of Friday morning.

Neighbours in the quiet suburban area were startled by the sound of gunfire, prompting Victoria Police to launch an investigation into the incident. Initial reports suggest that multiple shots were fired in Abdulrahim’s direction as he was leaving his home on Larch Street.

The tense situation escalated further when two cars were set ablaze on Barrow Street in Brunswick around the same time as the shooting, raising suspicions of a coordinated attack. Police are exploring potential links between the car fires and the attempted hit on Abdulrahim.

Authorities have been on high alert regarding underworld activities allegedly orchestrated by a notorious kingpin with ties to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and other Middle Eastern locations. The underworld landscape in Melbourne has been rocked by a series of violent incidents, including arson attacks on numerous tobacco shops.

This is not the first time Abdulrahim has faced such danger. In June 2022, he survived an assassination attempt outside a cemetery in Fawkner, where he was shot multiple times in his Mercedes but managed to seek help at a nearby police station. Two suspects fled the country shortly after the incident.

In February, Abdulrahim’s scheduled boxing match at the Furlan Club in Thornbury was marred by arson attacks on the venue, adding to a series of targeted attacks on businesses linked to him, including a Moonee Ponds tobacco and vape store.

With the investigation ongoing, Victoria Police are urging anyone with information or CCTV footage related to the incident to come forward. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the volatile dynamics within Melbourne’s underworld and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime activities.