A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged over a brazen daylight shooting at a Sydney kebab shop, an incident that occurred a year ago and left three people seriously injured. The attack, which police allege targeted a figure linked to an underworld network, saw eight shots fired inside a busy eatery in Auburn, a western Sydney suburb.
Arrest and Charges in Auburn Shooting
Following an extensive investigation, police apprehended the 31-year-old suspect on Friday. He faces a series of serious charges, including three counts of shooting with intent to murder. Detectives from the New South Wales Police Force allege that on June 16 of the previous year, the accused, along with another masked individual, entered a kebab shop and opened fire. The rapid gunfire resulted in three people sustaining gunshot wounds, necessitating immediate medical attention and hospitalisation.
Paramedics were dispatched to the scene and provided initial treatment to the victims before they were transported to hospital. The injured parties included a 26-year-old man, identified in media reports as Samimjan Azari, who is described as a senior member of the Alameddine criminal network. Mr. Azari sustained injuries to his shoulder and arm. A 25-year-old man accompanying him was shot in the head. A 47-year-old woman, an employee at the restaurant, was struck multiple times in the torso and arm.
All three victims have since been discharged from the hospital. However, it is anticipated that the woman and the 25-year-old man will face long-term health complications due to the severity of their injuries. The alleged motive for the attack, according to police, was to target Mr. Azari, who had reportedly survived several previous shootings in Sydney.
Investigation and Taskforce Falcon
The investigation into the Auburn shooting was a significant undertaking, involving some of Australia’s most experienced detectives. These officers were part of Taskforce Falcon, a dedicated unit established in late May 2025. The taskforce was formed in response to a series of violent incidents and shootings linked to conflicts between rival criminal gangs operating in the city. Approximately 100 investigators, supported by an additional 50 officers, were mobilised in a large-scale effort to combat escalating gun violence.
Following the shooting incident, authorities located three vehicles that had been deliberately set on fire. These burnt-out cars were discovered in different locations: Wigram Street in Harris Park, Hilltop Road in Merrylands, and Gerald Street in Greystanes. The discovery of these vehicles suggested a potential attempt to destroy evidence related to the crime.
Detectives have also confirmed that the second alleged shooter involved in the kebab shop attack died overseas sometime last year. This development means the 31-year-old man now facing charges is the sole living suspect apprehended in relation to the shooting itself.
Legal Proceedings and Government Response
The 31-year-old suspect was refused police bail and was scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. The gravity of the charges underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement and the justice system are treating the case.
The incident drew strong condemnation from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who described the attack as a “horrifying, violent chapter in the state’s history.” He emphasised that such acts, demonstrating a profound disregard for human life, must be met with the full extent of the law. The Premier also affirmed that the police force had been provided with all necessary resources to apprehend those responsible.
At the time of the shooting, the alleged target, Samimjan Azari, was on bail facing court proceedings. This situation prompted Attorney-General Michael Daley to agree to review the conditions of his bail. Premier Minns indicated that the government had previously strengthened bail laws for specific offences and would consider further legislative action if deemed necessary. However, he reiterated his confidence in the police’s capacity to manage investigations effectively.
Broader Context of Gang Violence
The Auburn shooting is emblematic of a broader trend of increased gang-related violence in Sydney that prompted the formation of Taskforce Falcon. The coordinated response involving a large number of officers and investigators highlights the significant challenge posed by organised crime and gun violence to public safety. The ongoing efforts by law enforcement aim to disrupt criminal networks and reduce the incidence of violent crime across the metropolitan area.
The successful charging of a suspect a year after the event demonstrates the persistence of police investigations, even in complex cases involving multiple perpetrators and attempts to conceal involvement. The legal process will now unfold, with the courts set to determine the outcome for the accused.
