Police believe that the execution-style killing of Melbourne man Athan Boursinos was organised by a New South Wales-based crime syndicate linked to Australia’s ongoing tobacco wars.
The 21-year-old, suspected to have ties with notorious underworld figure Kazem Hamad, was gunned down outside his family home in Wollert, in Melbourne’s north, just before 9 a.m. on July 31. He was reportedly on his way to a court appearance when he was ambushed in Champions Parade in broad daylight.
According to Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt, intelligence suggests that the hit was carried out by men who had travelled from New South Wales days before the killing. “This was a murder linked to organised crime entities operating interstate,” he said. “While the motive remains unclear, Athan’s connections to criminal networks have added complexity to our investigation.”
Police released CCTV footage showing two men and a white Volkswagen SUV believed to be involved in the killing.
After the shooting, the killers fled in a stolen Nissan Patrol, later found burnt out in Reservoir about 9:15 a.m. They then switched to a grey Volkswagen Golf, which had been stolen months earlier from Hampton East and was also found torched in Mickleham two hours later.
Investigators believe the offenders then escaped in a silver BMW sedan, which has yet to be located.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The killing is the latest in a wave of interstate organised crime activity spilling into Victoria, with police warning of escalating violence as rival syndicates vie for control of Australia’s lucrative illegal tobacco trade.
