Full Breakdown
Targeted Shooting in Wollert Linked to Organized Crime
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Fatal Shooting on Gypsum Drive
On October 16, 2026, 42-year-old Ali Albadri was found dead inside his family home on Gypsum Drive in Wollert, Melbourne’s outer north. Police say he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was likely alone when the attack occurred, with family members arriving shortly afterward. CCTV captured a gunman fleeing the scene with a bag and two other men scrambling into a brown Commodore sedan before driving away.
Background & Context: Underworld Violence in Melbourne’s North
The incident follows a pattern of underworld-linked violence in the suburb. In July 31, 2025, 21-year-old Athan Boursinos, a known Melbourne underworld figure, was ambushed and killed near his family home, an attack police suspect involved hitmen from a New South Wales crime syndicate. Underworld sources have warned that Albadri’s close association with Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, a dominant figure in Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade, could provoke retaliation.
Data & Statistics
- This shooting is the third violent incident reported in Melbourne within one week, joining a drive-by shooting in Caroline Springs and a road-rage gunfire episode in Tullamarine.
- Police have identified at least three individuals captured on CCTV: one gunman on foot and two occupants of a brown Commodore.
- Investigators believe more than one person was involved in the Wollert attack.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Acting Inspector Paul Scarlett confirmed the victim’s links to organised crime and described the incident as a “targeted attack.” He emphasized that the family were “distraught” and that police were “keeping an open mind” regarding possible connections to the illicit tobacco trade, fire-bombings, and a separate shooting in Caroline Springs. Scarlett noted that, at this stage, the occupants of the brown Commodore have been spoken to and are not considered suspects.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local residents described the scene as chaotic. One neighbour reported hearing three gunshots, while another, Humeyra Thowhury, heard a woman screaming and saw a woman being consoled by police. Manav Matharoo and Alok Singh, who live nearby, recounted seeing a woman sobbing uncontrollably and said the incident kept them awake through the night. Several witnesses fled the area in panic after the shots rang out.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Motivation: Police have confirmed Albadri’s organised-crime connections but have not established whether the shooting was directly tied to the illicit tobacco trade or to other criminal disputes.
- Number of Perpetrators: CCTV shows two men in a car and a third individual on foot, yet police have not confirmed whether all three participated in the shooting.
- Victim’s Presence: While investigators believe Albadri was alone, the exact timing of family members’ arrival remains unclear, leaving open questions about potential witnesses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This sort of criminal activity is just abhorrent,” — Detective Scarlett
- “We are aware that there are images in the media of a brown Commodore seen in this area,” — Acting Inspector Paul Scarlett