Sydney businessman John Ibrahim has been identified as the intended target in a July 25 assassination attempt near his Dover Heights mansion. A court lifted a secrecy order on Thursday, revealing Ibrahim, known for his success in the nightclub industry, as the focus of the failed hit.
The two alleged assailants, Yousif Zrayka, 20, and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, 24, were arrested near the scene after reportedly mistaking a neighbor for Ibrahim. The neighbor had driven a car similar to one owned by Ibrahim. The men have since been charged with conspiracy to murder and firearms-related offenses.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when Tupoulahi, wearing a balaclava and armed with a pistol, allegedly approached the neighbor’s car and pointed the weapon at him. After a tense standoff lasting around 10 seconds, Tupoulahi fled. He then got into a stolen rental car driven by Zrayka, and the pair attempted to escape. Police responded quickly, engaging in a short car chase before apprehending both suspects.
A subsequent search of their vehicle reportedly uncovered a revolver, a semi-automatic firearm, petrol, and rubber gloves. Both men face a total of 19 charges. Zrayka, from Bankstown, has been charged with eight offenses, including stalking and intimidating Ibrahim’s neighbors, possessing a loaded revolver, and participating in a police pursuit. Tupoulahi, from Campsie, faces 11 charges, including possessing an unauthorized Glock pistol, assaulting police, and intimidation.
Ibrahim, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, initially sought to keep his identity suppressed, but the non-publication order was not extended as he declined to provide a statement to the police regarding the incident.
