Update:
Detectives have executed a number of search warrants as investigations continue into the shooting murder of Mahmoud ‘Mick’ Hawi who was shot by an unknown man as he got into his car outside a gym on West Botany Street, Rockdale on February 15.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by Strike Force Raptor and the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed six search warrants at properties at Bardwell Park, Beverly Hills, Brighton Le Sands, Carlton, Hurstville, and Padstow, from 7am this morning.
During the search warrants, investigators located four vehicles of interest to their investigation, which will be seized for forensic examination, $22,000 cash, electronic storage devices, mobile phones, documentation, and a portable radio capable of monitoring operational police activity.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Deb Wallace, said Mr Hawi’s murder was calculated and well-planned, but police are continually piecing together the movements of those involved.
“Strike Force Amirs detectives have trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV and identified up to seven vehicles used to coordinate the shooting – some of which we have already seized,” Det Supt Wallace said.
“The stolen Mercedes Benz that was used as the initial getaway car was located on fire a few streets away from the scene that day, and the vehicle driven from that scene – a silver Toyota Aurion – was located in March at Beaconsfield.
“The Aurion underwent significant examinations and forensic evidence was obtained from inside. We have also established it was dumped at Beaconsfield by a tow truck.
“Today’s operation is a culmination of further inquiries to identify and locate the other vehicles we believe were used before, during, and/or after the shooting.”
Det Supt Wallace also urged anyone who has information that may assist the investigation to come forward.
“In particular, we are seeking information from people who may have seen these vehicles – and their occupants around the time of the murder,” Det Supt Wallace said.
“We have information that puts the Aurion on a tow truck on King Georges Road and then Stoney Creek Road, Beverley Hills, about 4pm on the day before the murder.
“The Aurion is also captured on CCTV on Forest Road, Bexley, just before 9.30am on the day of the murder – believed to be travelling in convey with a black Toyota Prado.
“Finally, we have CCTV of the Aurion on a tow truck travelling southbound on Botany Rd, Rosebery, about 7.30pm on the Saturday, February 17.
“We are urging anyone who may have been travelling in those areas around those times to check dash-cam recordings or even mobile phones to see if you captured important vision.
“Obviously, we would love to hear from anyone who may be able to assist our inquiries and help bring us closer to providing answers to Mr Hawi’s family,” Det Supt Wallace said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Amirs detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Earlier:
Police have this morning raided six homes as part of the ongoing investigations into the shooting murder of Mahmoud ‘Mick’ Hawi.
Detectives from Strike Force Amirs, assisted by Strike Force Raptor and the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed six search warrants at properties at Bardwell Park, Beverly Hills, Brighton-Le-Sands, Carlton, Hurstville, and Padstow, from 7am.
The search warrants are still underway, but investigators have located vehicles of interest to their investigation, which will be seized for forensic examination.
Hawi, 37, was shot by an unknown man as he got into his car outside a gym on West Botany Street, Rockdale, just after midday on Thursday, February 15.
The former bikie boss Mick Hawi was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to St George Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.
More to come
