Man charged over gang war kebab shop shooting

The man allegedly behind a brazen daylight shooting on a busy shopping strip has been charged over the attack that left three people fighting for life, and two permanently wounded.

Police arrested the 31-year-old and charged him with a slew of offences on Friday, including three counts of shooting with intent to murder.

Detectives allege he and another masked man entered a kebab shop in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn on June 16 last year and fired eight shots.

Ambulance paramedics treated three people at the scene for gunshot wounds before they were taken to hospital.

A 26-year-old man, identified in media reports as senior Alameddine criminal network member Samimjam Azari, suffered wounds to his shoulder and arm.

A 25-year-old man accompanying him was shot in the head, while a 47-year-old woman who worked at the restaurant was shot multiple times in the torso and arm.

All three have since been released from hospital; however, the woman and 25-year-old man are expected to experience long-term complications as a result of their injuries.

Three cars were subsequently found burnt out on Wigram Street in Harris Park, Hilltop Road in Merrylands and Gerald Street in Greystanes.

Police allege the masked and armed men were targeting Azari who had survived multiple other shootings across Sydney.

The 31-year-old arrested suspect was refused police bail to appear before court on Saturday.

Detectives have confirmed that the second alleged shooter in the attack died overseas last year.

Some of the best detectives in Australia were assigned to work the case as part of Taskforce Falcon, set up in late-May 2025 following a series of shootings between warring criminal gangs.

About 100 investigators joined another 50 officers in a mega bid to curb gun violence in the city after a spate of sorties.

Premier Chris Minns was outspoken about the level of disregard for human life he said was exhibited during the Auburn attack.