Sam Abdulrahim Shot Dead in Melbourne Parking Lot with Girlfriend Witnessing Tragic Ambush
Prominent underworld figure and former professional boxer Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was shot dead on Tuesday morning in a car park on High Street, Preston, Melbourne. Sam Abdulrahim, 32, was ambushed as he walked towards his car alongside his girlfriend, who rendered first aid until paramedics arrived. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of Victoria Police confirmed the shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. near an apartment complex. A burnt-out white Porsche, believed to be connected to the shooting, was later found at the intersection of Northernhay and Alexandra Streets in Reservoir.
Police Investigation and Past Threats
Homicide detectives and Taskforce Lunar are looking into the shooting, which Victoria Police have described as targeted. Inspector Thomas said that Abdulrahim had been under continual risk due to his violent history, which included involvement in Melbourne’s underworld and the unsafe tobacco trade.
Despite having survived multiple assassination attempts, including a dramatic ambush in 2022 where he was shot five times at Fawkner Cemetery, Abdulrahim continued to attract danger. Sources indicated that a contract had been out on his life for years, and underworld figures believed his death was inevitable.
“We did not indicate an imminent threat,” Inspector Thomas stated, adding that police had provided safety warnings and options to Sam Abdulrahim in the past. “This investigation has the full weight of Victoria Police behind it, and we will leave no stone unturned to identify those responsible.”
A Troubled Abdulrahim, a former Mongols bikie, became famous in both the criminal and boxing circles. His criminal record goes back to 2009, and he was well-known for his violent fights and scandalous affairs. He went to jail for a tragic vehicle accident in 2015 and was involved in various gangland fights, including the plotting of Kadir “KD” Ors’ murder in 2016.
Sam Abdulrahim has also been the focus of many firebombing attempts, including one on his home and another on a boxing facility linked to him. Despite the threats, he returned to professional boxing and battled for the WBC Australian Cruiserweight Championship in 2024.
Community Shock and Call for Witnesses
The news of Sam Abdulrahim death has shocked the community. Family and friends were spotted grief at the site, and police asked for anybody with information or film about the incident or the torched Porsche to come forward.
Inspector Thomas acknowledged concerns about injury but emphasized the need to work with authorities to avoid more violence. “Retaliation just results in more tit-for-tat situations. We encourage anybody with knowledge to assist police in bringing the guilty to justice.
