Jump to content

Brothers for Life

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with the African American gang that goes by Brothers for Life (BFL), CBL/BFL.

Brothers for Life (often stylised as B4L), now known as the Hamzy Family,[1] is a Middle Eastern criminal organisation based in the South-Western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Brothers for Life first came to public prominence in the early 2010s as internal disputes between it's Bankstown and Blacktown chapters resulted in a violent gang war. Between 2020 and 2022, the gang was again in the public eye as one side of a new conflict, then against the Alameddine crime network.[2]

Founding

[edit]

The Brothers for Life gang was founded by Bassam Hamzy. Bassam, the son of Lebanese-Australian immigrants Khaled and Lola,[3] was sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment in 2002 for the May 1998 for the shooting murder of Kris Toumazis outside of the Mr Goodbar nightclub in Darlinghurst.[4]

Police first heard of 'Brothers 4 Life' following a raid on Bassam's jail cell in early 2007. Preceding the raid, officers had observed that Hamzy had become the ring-leader of eleven other Supermax inmates whom he had converted to a radicalised sect of Islam. In his cell, an array of drawings and written materials were recovered, including a printed photograph of Osama bin Laden, a hand-drawn logo bearing the words "assassins australia FFL" with depictions of AK-47 assault rifles, and notes which appeared to refer to financial transactions. Additionally, various papers were found containing alleged gang slogans, such as "Solja Warrior We don fear death and sometimes we wish for it [sic]", and "Courage, honour, no mercy, mercy 4 da weak, family 4 life and BFL [brothers for life]". Following these findings, Hamzy was placed in isolation.[5]

In April 2008, a mobile phone was discovered in Bassam's cell at Lithgow Correctional Centre, prompting detectives from the Middle-Eastern Organised Crime squad to begin monitoring it's activity. Between 1 May and 11 June 2008, the device made over 19000 calls, meaning an average of around 460 per day, as Bassam ran his gang of at least twelve men in the free-world from behind bars.[6] On 4 December 2008, overnight raids took place across Sydney, yielding the arrests of his father Khaled, 57; his brother Ghassan Amoun, 22; his cousin Khaled Hamzy jr, 27; and associates Mohammad Abbas, 28; and Thomas Miholic, 36. The members of the syndicate allegedly transported around $250,000 worth of drugs from Sydney to Melbourne each week. Police charged the group with the supply of 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6.6 kilograms of cannabis, and 600 grams of ecstasy, as well as with dealing with the proceeds of crime totalling around $276,000 in cash. During the raids, at least 25,000 pills, a loaded firearm, and a drug laboratory were uncovered.[7]

Around 2008 and 2009, several youth street gangs, the most prominent being the Muslim Brotherhood Movement (MBM), emerged in the vicinity of Auburn, the area which is home to several families aligned with the B4L network.[8] During this time, B4L became closely allied with both MBM, and the Bandidos.[9]

In August 2011, however, police declared that MBM was "dismantled and disrupted". In turn, B4L took over in the area, absorbing the remnants of MBM, as well as prolific Assyrian street-gang DLASTHR, including member Michael Odisho.[10]

Timeline (2010-2013)

[edit]

On 1 August 2010, Saba Kairouz, 26, a convicted drug dealer, was shot to death while playing touch football at Roberts Park in Greenacre.[11]

On 3 August 2010, B4L member Khaled Kahwaji, 27,[12] was arrested at his home in Monterey and charged with Kairouz's murder.[13]

Sometime around June 2011, B4L member Khaled Kahwaji's murder charge was withdrawn.[14]

On 8 October 2012, B4L member Khaled Khalil was knee-capped in Yagoona by a large group of fellow gang members. This incident allegedly marked the beginning of the gang's internal feuding.[15]

On 8 October 2012, B4L member Alex Ali was shot, also in Yagoona. Ali may have been attacked during the same gathering as Khalil. Ali was alleged to have been shot by Mohammed 'Little Crazy' Hamzy.[16]

On 14 October 2012, B4L members Bassim Hijazi, 32, and Yehya Amoud, 27, were shot at eleven times as they sat in a car in Greenacre. Amoud later died from his injuries. In the aftermath of the shooting, Hijazi, the driver of the vehicle, refused to co-operate with police and fled to Lebanon.[17] The shooting was allegedly provoked by Hijazi saying that Mohammed 'Little Crazy' Hamzy's wife was a "gold digger" and a "slut". In turn, Hamzy lured Hijazi to the location of the attack and opened fire on him. Hamzy did not know that Amoud was also in the vehicle. Hamzy, remorseful over the accident, allegedly approached a friend of his in the aftermath of the shooting and attempted to give Amoud's family $100k.[18]

On 17 October 2012, a drive-by shooting targeted a home in Winston Hills which was allegedly linked to BFL members.[19]

On 8 February 2013, five junior members of B4L were arrested by Strike Force Apollo over a random attack on a civilian in Haymarket.[20]

On 9 February 2013, an unidentified B4L member was knee-capped by fellow gang members over a drug debt. The member the drove himself to hospital, and became a police informant known as Witness A, marking a breakthrough for law enforcement's efforts against the syndicate.[21]

On 19 February 2013, Michael Odisho, 28, and Faoud Ekermawi, 35, were arrested and charged over the October 2012 Winston Hills shooting, and the 9 February knee-capping, as a result of Witness A's testimony.[22]

Bankstown/Blacktown War (2013)

[edit]

By winter 2013, the B4L gang was divided into two factions; the Bankstown faction, consisting primarily of Lebanese Australians, and the Blacktown faction, consisting primarily of Afghan Australians.[23] The newly formed Blacktown faction was led by fresh-out-of-jail gangster Farhad 'The Afghan' Quami, who Bassam Hamzy had met behind bars, and directed to "keep the Lebo [Bankstown] chapter in check". In reality, Quami's main objective was overthrowing the Bankstown chapter and taking over the syndicate.[24] To start out with, Quami's faction was delegated territory from Granville to Penrith.[25] However, this did not satisfy Farhad. In a July 2013 meeting at the Blacktown faction's clubhouse, he gathered the members of his faction and outlined his vision to dominate the city's underworld, declaring that they were "going to give Sydney something they’ve never seen before”.[26]

From the beginning of Farhad Quami's reign, he appeared to have issues with Bankstown shot-caller Mohammed 'Little Crazy' Hamzy, supposedly harbouring jealousy over his power, money and lifestyle. As a result, Quami was waiting for the opportunity to arise for him to begin his campaign to take Hamzy out of the picture. This opportunity then came soon enough, when rumours of murder-plots against him from the Lebanese chapter began circulating. Quami decided to get on the front-foot and strike first.[27]

2013 shootings

[edit]

On 9 March in Auburn, Maha Hamze, the aunt of BFL leader Bassam Hamzy, was shot eight times in the legs through the front door of her home. 28 cartridge cases were recovered by police.[28] It is believed the shooting was a payback over a demand for a debt recovery fee of $5,000 that the woman's son, Ashkan Rajabi, made to another man's mother. That man asked Bassam Hamzy to collect a $20,000 debt, which was done by Ashkan, who later approached the man's mother at her Marrickville home demanding the fee.[29] A 28-year-old man was charged on 16 May with "shooting Maha Hamze with intent to kill". On 28 October 2014 the man, unnamed for legal reasons, was found guilty in the District Court of New South Wales of the attempted murder of Hamze. He was due to be sentenced on 18 December.[28]

On 25 July 2013 in Dunmore Street, Wentworthville, shots were fired at two people Ashkan Rajabi and Bilal Hamze in a car parked outside a swimming pool.[30]

On 2 August shots were fired at a dwelling in Lignite Place, Eagle Vale.[31]

Just after midnight on 29 October in Bardo Circuit, Revesby Heights,[32] another BFL member, Mahmoud Hamzy, 27, was shot dead.[33] Mahmoud Hamzy was a cousin of Bassam Hamzy. In the same shooting Omar Ajaj, 24, also a BFL member, was wounded.[34] Mahmoud's cousin Mohammed Hamzy was also present but escaped through the back door.[35] On 27−28 October 2014, five BFL members were arrested and charged with Hamzys' murder.[32]

Less than a week later on 3 November at Winston Hills, previously arrested BFL member Michael Odisho was shot several times. Before BFL, Odisho was a member of the Assyrian Kings gang.[33][36]

On 4 November in Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown, a 13-year-old girl was wounded by shotgun pellets. Her brother Masood Zakaria, a BFL member,[37] is alleged to have been the target.[33]

On 7 November three BFL Bankstown chapter members, Abdul Abu-Mahmoud, Hassan Souied and Khalil Khalil, were in a car outside the Chokolatta Cafe in Bankstown when four members of the gangs' Blacktown chapter allegedly shot at them in a drive-by shooting. Four men were arrested in Parramatta about 40 minutes after the shooting. On 11 November Sarkhel Rokhzayi, 22, Mobin Marzei and Wahed Karimi, both 18, and Jamil Qaumi, 20, were charged in Burwood Court. A total of 72 charges were laid against the four, including attempted murder and firing a sawn-off shotgun.[38] Amanda Crowe, 27, was also charged with "wounding with intent to kill" in relation to the Cafe shooting. Other charges laid against her were: "knowingly directing activities" of the B4L, and participating in a criminal group. She was released on A$1.3 million bail, before being re-arrested at her home in Dulwich Hill in 2014 on 27 October. She had additional charges laid of: the murder of Mahmoud Hamzy; conspiring to murder Mohammed Hamzy; and wounding Ajaj.[35] It was alleged in Burwood Local Court that Crowe drove the white Nissan Tiida carrying the three gunmen who killed Mohammed Hamzy.[35]

On 16 December, Joe Antoun, a standover man,[39] was shot dead at his home in Jersey Road, Strathfield. Antoun answered a knock on his front door and was shot several times.[40] Vasko Boskovski, his business partner was killed at Earlwood months before in a similar shooting.[39] On 27 October 2014, two of four BFL members, already in custody for the killing of Mahmoud Hamzy and the Chokolatta Cafe shooting,[35] were also charged with murder over the Antoun shooting.[41]

2014 shootings

[edit]

In the early hours of 1 January (New Year's Day) a BFL member Farhad Qaumi, 31,[42] was shot in Rose Bay, Sydney.[43] He was on board the charter yacht Oscar II as it was pulling into a wharf when the vessel was shot at multiple times. Qaumi was treated at St Vincent's Hospital for a shoulder wound but discharged himself. He refused to cooperate with police. Media reports indicated "at least 18 holes" in the vessel.[44]

On 11 March in Auburn in a drive-by shooting, five shots were fired into a fence and car outside the home of BFL member Omar Ajaj. At the time Ajaj was in jail.[45]

On 11 December in Auburn at about 8.30pm, Bassam Hamzys mother Lola Hamzy was shot through her home’s front door. She was taken to Westmead Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery.[46]

2020 shooting

[edit]

Mejid Hamzy, younger brother of Bassam Hamzy, was killed during what police believe was a targeted daylight shooting in Condell Park on 19 October 2020.[47]

2021 shootings

[edit]

On 17 June in Sydney CBD at about 10:25pm, Bilal Hamze was killed in a drive-by shooting on Bridge Street near Mr Wongs restaurant.[48][49] It was reported that the gunman fled the scene in a dark-coloured Audi.[50]

On 20 October in Guildford, Sydney, at about 8:55am, Salim Hamze and Toufik Hamze were killed in a double shooting on Osgood Street.[51]

Police action

[edit]

Arrests

[edit]

On 7 November 2013 police arrested ten members of BFL.[37]

Nick Kaldas, New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner said:

Six people were charged in relation to two incidents which left one man dead and two others wounded last year.

We charged another four people that same day with shooting offences that happened an hour before in Bankstown, an alleged attempt to murder two men.

A rapid response by the MEOC (Middle Eastern Organised Crime) Squad, and other police meant suspects and vital exhibits were seized on the night, bringing four men before the courts."[37]

Strike Force formed

[edit]

At the end of 2013 MEOC formed 'Strike Force Sitella' to investigate numerous shootings and related crimes from July to November 2013.[52]

Legislation

[edit]

On 30 January 2014 legislation was tabled in the New South Wales Parliament to have anyone wearing the insignia and symbols used by BFL banned from entering licensed premises (pubs or clubs) in Kings Cross.[53] The bill extends existing legislation that already banned members of 22 outlaw motorcycle clubs if they wore "any clothing, jewellery or accessory" or "any image, symbol, abbreviation, acronym or other form of writing that indicates membership of, or an association with, any of the organisations specified", by adding "Brothers 4 Life" and "Outlaws" to the banned list.[53]

Charges

[edit]

2013

[edit]

Omar Ajaj was charged with the murder of Yeyah Amood, and with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the knee-capping in Yagoona.[37] Mahmoud Sanoussi, 28, was also remanded in custody over the Yagoona knee-capping.

2014

[edit]

On 21 January 2014, two men were charged with the murder of Joe Antoun. A 25 year old, Navid Khalili[54] is alleged to have committed the murder. 24 year old Kasim Ali Khan allegedly planned the killing, and drove the car used. Both are believed by police to be BFL members.[39]

On 6 February 2014 a man accused of being the leader of the Bankstown branch of BFL was charged by MEOC detectives with: "Possess prohibited firearm; Aggravated break and enter (special circumstances); Fire at dwelling house, and Direct criminal group."[52] All charges related to the shooting at Lignite Place, Eagle Vale, on 2 August 2013.[52]

On 14 July 2014, Nazir Akbari and Ashkan Rajabi were charged with "discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm" and "firing a firearm in a public place."[55] He was already in jail on other matters.[30] On the same day six other B4L members were charged over the October 2013 home invasion.[30] Farhad Quami, 31, Mumtaz Quami, 29, Navid Khalili, 25, Fazal Bari, 24, Mobin Mirzaei, 22, and Jamil Quami, 22, 24 Ashkan Rajabi were all charged with "discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm" and weapons offences. All were also charges with serious animal cruelty. The charges were laid by MEOCS detectives from Strike Force Sitella[55]

On 27 October, four people; Amanda Crowe, 32; Fahed Quami, and his brothers Mumtaz, and Jamil, 22, were charged in Burwood Court with murder in connection with the 27 October 2013 shooting of Mahmoud Hamzy.[41] In addition Farhad and Mumtaz were also charged with the 21 January 2014 shooting murder of Joe Antoun.[41]

Convictions

[edit]

In April 2016, Michael Odisho was found guilty of involvement in the February 2013 knee-capping at Bass Hill of another B4L member.[56] The police alleged "...he handled the gun used in the shooting, loading it and then passing it on...".[57] He was convicted on three counts of reckless wounding and gun possession. Odisho was due to be sentenced in June 2016.[57]

On 28 February 2017, brothers Farhad and Mumtaz Qaumi were convicted of the contract murder of standover man Joe Antoun on 16 December 2013 at his home in Strathfield, Sydney.[58]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Parkes-Hupton, Heath (27 January 2022). "Police say they are 'on top' of Hamzy-Alameddine conflict after arresting senior figures". ABC News.
  2. ^ Parkes-Hupton, Heath (27 January 2022). "Police say they are 'on top' of Hamzy-Alameddine conflict after arresting senior figures". ABC News.
  3. ^ Levy, Megan (11 December 2014). "Woman shot through door in Auburn is Lola Hamzy, mother of Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy". Sydney Morning Herald.
  4. ^ Buckley, Danielle (27 March 2018). "Kris Toumazis' family holds fundraiser for Homicide Victims Support Group". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  5. ^ Walker, Frank (20 May 2007). "Drawings link prison converts to terrorism". Sydney Morning Herald.
  6. ^ Hall Courts, Louise (27 July 2011). "Hamzy ran drug ring from prison cell". Sydney Morning Herald.
  7. ^ Jacobsen, Geesche (5 December 2008). "19,000 dial-a-dealer calls from jail, say police". Sydney Morning Herald.
  8. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  9. ^ Olding, Rachel (23 December 2012). "Anarchy of a gang and two AK47s". Sydney Morning Herald.
  10. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  11. ^ Gardiner, Stephanie (17 March 2013). "Gunned down in a Greenacre Street". Sydney Morning Herald.
  12. ^ "Bassam Hamzy: Brothers 4 Life founder's life of crime". ABC News. 12 December 2014.
  13. ^ "Man refused bail over touch football murder". ABC News. 4 August 2010.
  14. ^ Gardiner, Stephanie (17 March 2013). "Gunned down in a Greenacre street". Sydney Morning Herald.
  15. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  16. ^ "Sydney murder trial told of 'blood money'". Nine News. 22 June 2016.
  17. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  18. ^ "Sydney murder trial told of 'blood money'". Nine News. 22 June 2016.
  19. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  20. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  21. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  22. ^ Bashan, Yoni (9 November 2013). "Brothers For life gang: timeline". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  23. ^ Fazal, Mahmood (19 October 2018). "The Resurrection of Australia's Most Violent Gang: Brothers 4 Life". Vice News.
  24. ^ Fazal, Mahmood (19 October 2018). "The Resurrection of Australia's Most Violent Gang: Brothers 4 Life". Vice News.
  25. ^ Bashan, Yoni (13 November 2016). "Brothers 4 Life: The inside story of a vicious rivalry within the gang that would hold Sydney to ransom". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  26. ^ "Brothers For Life: The violent gang war that ate Sydney". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). 13 November 2016.
  27. ^ Bashan, Yoni (13 November 2016). "Brothers 4 Life: The inside story of a vicious rivalry within the gang that would hold Sydney to ransom". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney).
  28. ^ a b Aird, Claire (28 October 2014). "Man found guilty of attempted murder of Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy's aunt Maha Hamze". ABC News. Australia. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  29. ^ Benny-Morrison, Ava (16 October 2014). "Row over debt led to Hamzy shooting: court". The Australian. News Corp Australia. AAP. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  30. ^ a b c "7 B4L members due in court next month".
  31. ^ taylor auerbach (1 August 2013). "Drive by shooting at Eagle Vale house 'targeted' say police". Daily Telegraph.
  32. ^ a b "Fifth 'Brothers for Life' member charged with murder - SCC Homicide Squad". www.police.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Police Force. 28 October 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  33. ^ a b c Brothers For life gang: timeline Yoni Bashan The Sunday Telegraph, 9 November 2013, 13 November 2013
  34. ^ Afghan faction splits Brothers 4 Life gang, raising fears of more violence. By Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, staff. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  35. ^ Bikie Michael Odisho's tattoos celebrated guns, and now he's gunned down, Mark Morri. The Daily Telegraph. 5 November 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  36. ^ a b c d Brothers 4 Life - their undoing exposed Daily Telegraph 9 November 2013
  37. ^ McClellan, Ben (12 November 2013). "Brothers 4 Life gang's coded call to attack". The DailyTelegraph. Australia: News Corp Australia. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  38. ^ a b c Two alleged Brothers For Life gang members charged with murder of standover man. Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop. Updated 21 January 2014
  39. ^ Man shot dead in Sydney suburb of Strathfield after answering knock at front door ABC.net Updated 17 December 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  40. ^ a b c Brothers 4 life: Four alleged gang members charged with Mahmoud Hamzy's shooting murder Archived 27 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine ABC. 27 October 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2013
  41. ^ Van Den Broeke, Leigh; McClellan, Ben; Morri, Mark (2 January 2014). "Man shot as luxury $2500/hr cruiser sprayed with bullets at Rose Bay". The Daily Telegraph. Australia. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  42. ^ Megan Levy, Anne Davies Rose Bay shooting victim believed to have beaten three murder charges, 2 January 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  43. ^ Megan Levy Brothers 4 Life member the victim of Rose Bay luxury yacht shooting: report, Sydney Morning Herald 2 January 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  44. ^ Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop and staff Alleged Brothers 4 Life gang member's home targeted in drive-by shooting in Sydney's west. abc.net 12 March 2014, Retrieved 19 July 2014
  45. ^ Levy, Megan (12 December 2014). "Woman shot through door in Auburn is Lola Hamzy, mother of Brothers 4 Life founder Bassam Hamzy". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  46. ^ Reddie, Mark (18 October 2020). "Bassam Hamzy's brother shot dead in Sydney's Condell Park, gunman still at large". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  47. ^ White, Fergus Hunter, Daniella (18 June 2021). "Underworld figure dismissed police warnings before 'brutal' drive-by murder in Sydney CBD". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ Hunter, Fergus (23 June 2021). "Gangster Bilal Hamze laid to rest following CBD death". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  49. ^ Hair, Jonathan; Swanston, Tim (17 June 2021). "Underworld crime boss Bilal Hamze shot and killed in Sydney's CBD". ABC News. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  50. ^ Hunter, Fergus (20 October 2021). "Police hunt Ford Mustang after Hamze father and son shot dead in Sydney's west". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  51. ^ a b c "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  52. ^ a b Nicholls, Sean (30 January 2014). "Brother 4 Life insignia banned from Kings Cross pubs and clubs". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  53. ^ Brothers for Life member kept behind bars Archived 25 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine. AAP, 22 January 2014.
  54. ^ a b Brothers 4 Life members face court charged over shooting of a dog and firing shots into a car. Lema Samandar, The Daily Telegraph. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014
  55. ^ Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Sean (22 April 2016). "Check me out on Google, you'll think I'm a monster: Inside the world of a violent criminal". ABC (Australian TV channel). Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  56. ^ a b Bashan, Yoni (24 April 2016). "Cocaine binge, a kneecapping and bullet casings in a bin unravel Sydney's B4L gang". The Advertiser. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  57. ^ Crawford, Sarah (28 February 2017). "Brothers 4 Life: Farhad and Mumtaz Qaumi guilty of murdering standover man Joe Antoun". The Daily Telegraph. Australia: News Corp. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brothers_for_Life&oldid=1287409112"