DLASTHR

In the 1990s, Assyrian organized gangs began to emerge, engaging in drug distribution in Sydney's western suburbs. Initially known as the Assyrian Kings, they gained notoriety for the stabbing murder of off-duty police officer David Carty. At approximately 8:00 PM on April 17, 1997, Constable Carty and a fellow officer were conducting a foot patrol when they engaged with several individuals from the Assyrian gang on a street in Fairfield.^[7]

Subsequently, at approximately 2:10 AM the following morning, while off duty, Carty was present at the Cambridge Tavern in Fairfield. While walking in the carpark, Constable Carty was ambushed by a group of offenders, including individuals he had previously encountered during his earlier patrol.

During the assault, he sustained fatal stab wounds. The Assyrian Kings were implicated in the murder of off-duty police officer Carty. Five individuals were charged in connection with the murder. Thamier Sako and Edward Esho served sentences of less than five and six years with the primary offender Dawood Odishu receiving a 30-year sentence. Odishu, also known as Gilbert Adam, died in prison in April 2024, a day before the 27th anniversary of David Carty’s murder.^[8][9]

After Carty's murder, the Assyrian kings fell apart. However, in the early 2000s, individuals like Raymon Youmaran and Linard Shamouil resurrected it under the new banner, DLASTHR.^[10]

In December 2002, Dimitri Debaz was fatally shot at a strip club in Sefton. Raymon Youmaran quickly became the primary suspect, leading to his disappearance along with another suspect, Raphael Joseph, also known as "Hasoni."^[11]

According to the NSW Police submission, Joseph, Youmaran, and three other men arrived at the Sefton Hotel, where Debaz was celebrating his brother Aleck's birthday with a group of friends. Within moments of entering the hotel, a fight broke out between Joseph, his accomplices, and Dimitri and Aleck Debaz. Police reports indicated that CCTV footage showed Joseph and three accomplices running to their car, where Joseph and Youmaran each retrieved a 9mm handgun before fatally shooting Debaz, who was standing near the hotel's entrance. Three shots were fired into the victim's back in an execution-style manner before the gunmen fled the scene.

Sandro Mirad, the driver of Youmaran and Joseph's getaway car, was charged and pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to Debaz's murder. Mirad received a two-and-a-half-year sentence, with one-and-a-half years to be served non-custodially.^[12]

As Youmaran evaded authorities and went into hiding, numerous retaliation attempts targeted individuals associated with him over several years. While in hiding, Youmaran engaged in drug distribution in the southwestern suburbs of Sydney, eventually becoming New South Wales' most wanted man.

On April 16, 2005, at approximately 1:10 AM, Naser Ghaderi and Keyvan Ghajaloo were fatally shot in a drive-by incident on Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney. According to reports, Ghaderi and Ghajaloo were standing near a vehicle when a BMW and a Volkswagen approached. The driver of the BMW allegedly inquired, "Are you the Persians from the party?" Following this exchange, gunfire was discharged, resulting in the deaths of Ghaderi and Ghajaloo. The incident was believed to be a retaliatory act stemming from an altercation involving Ghaderi at a Persian event two weeks prior.

During the coroner's inquest, Ahmed Alfadly, a non-Assyrian associate of the gang, was identified as the individual involved in the preceding altercation with Ghaderi. Raymon Youmaran and Danny Hirmiz were also identified as potential persons of interest in connection with the homicides. Alfadly departed Australia for Kuwait five days post-incident and has not since returned. As of the current date.^[13][14]

In November 2005, the Babylon Cafe in Fairfield, New South Wales, became the site of a violent incident when it was targeted in a drive-by shooting. The attack resulted in the death of Raymond Khananyah, an innocent bystander, and left three others wounded. According to reports, three individuals wearing balaclavas and wielding semi-automatic pistols emerged from a dark-colored vehicle and discharged approximately 17 rounds into the cafe. Authorities suspect that the incident was a case of mistaken identity. The vehicle used in the shooting was later recovered, leading to several arrests; however, Raymon Youmaran remained at large.

A coroner’s inquest in 2011 into the Babylon Cafe shooting brought to light that, in the days preceding the murder, there had been a prior shooting and a physical altercation during which a firearm was brandished. Peter McGrath, Counsel assisting the Coroner, stated that police investigators believed the shooting was perpetrated by a local Assyrian gang.

During the inquest, five individuals were identified as persons of interest in connection with Khananyah's death: Ramon Youmaran, Steven David, Danny Hurmz, George Hanna, Samer Marcus, and Michael Odisho.^[15]

On February 14, 2006, law enforcement officers identified Youmaran at a residence in Woodcroft, Sydney, which was under police surveillance. At approximately 6:15 p.m., Youmaran entered the passenger seat of a green Mercedes-Benz. Authorities initiated a high-speed pursuit, with speeds reaching 200 km/h on the M2 and M7 motorways. However, the chase was ultimately called off due to safety concerns.^[16]

The day following the pursuit, a 24-year-old male suspected of involvement was apprehended and taken to Green Valley Police Station for interrogation. Shortly thereafter, detectives impounded the Mercedes-Benz from a residence in Cecil Hills, which was believed to be the vehicle used in the pursuit. Forensic examinations were then conducted on the vehicle.^[16]

In June 2006, Raymon Youmaran was arrested at Mount Pritchard, following a series of police raids on homes in Sydney's western suburbs. He had been in hiding for four years. Police seized 3000 illegal methamphetamine tablets, with a street value of $1.2 million. Seven other high ranking gang members including Linard Shamouil were also arrested. In 2008 Youmaran pleaded guilty to the murder of Debaz and received a minimum of 17 years in jail.^[17]

Youmaran was released from prison on parole on September 30, 2023. During his parole, he will still need to complete his sentences for supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and participating in the supply of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. The last of these sentences is set to end in August 2026.

As part of his parole conditions, he is prohibited from using illegal drugs, possessing any prohibited weapons, or contacting his co-offenders, victims, or their families.^[18][19]

On April 9, 2006, Ashoor Audisho, a 21-year-old, was fatally shot on Hamilton Road in Fairfield West. The killing was connected to Youmaran and his associates. Subsequently, that same year, three individuals were apprehended and denied bail in connection with the crime.^[20][21]

Linard Shamouil, a founding member of the criminal organization, subsequently admitted guilt in the murder of Audisho.

Court documents revealed the incident stemmed from disparaging remarks directed at Shamouil's younger relative, involving Audisho at an Assyrian festival on the 2nd of April at Fairfield. Offended by these remarks, Shamouil confronted Audisho at the 7-Eleven convenience store on Hamilton Road with two other men on April 9th. Leading to a verbal dispute, the situation escalated when a third party, identified as Dilan Shaba, intervened with physical assault on Audisho. The confrontation then devolved into a physical brawl involving all parties. Amidst the chaos, Shamouil brandished a firearm and discharged it multiple times, fatally wounding Audisho.^[22]

Shamouil received a sentence of fourteen years imprisonment. At the time of the murder, Shamouil was on bail for a previous charge of attempted murder, for which he was later convicted and sentenced to a pre-parole period of nine years. Additionally, he was sentenced to a five-year non-parole period for involvement in illicit activities. Shamouil was also charged with selling an unlicensed .45-calibre pistol to Sahir Marcus at West Hoxton. Steven David and Dilan Shaba pleaded guilty to being accessories after the fact in the Audisho murder case and both received sentences of 1-3 years. ^[23]

Raphael Joseph was arrested in San Diego in October 2006.^[24] After requesting to be deported to his country of birth, Iraq, Joseph was extradited from the U.S. in February 2008, following a legal battle to remain there for over a year. In March 2008, he appeared in a Sydney court and was charged with the murder of Dimitri Debaz..^[25] However, the murder charges against Joseph were eventually dropped. This decision came after he had already spent approximately 18 months in custody in the United States, awaiting extradition and facing legal proceedings.

On 20 March 2014 Rapahel Joseph disappeared after a meeting in Auburn, New South Wales, and was presumed by police to have been abducted and murdered.

Police believe only hours before his abduction, Joseph visited the ex-partner of former Sydney Hells Angel Wayne Schneider, who was abducted and murdered 18 months later. The two were friends who had risen through gang ranks to become major international criminals, each dealing in millions of dollars of drugs.^[26]

On 20 February 2018, Police alleged that Joseph was kidnapped and "inevitably murdered" by a drug syndicate on a rural property in Blaxlands Ridge in Sydney's north-west, police were "rewarded with a series of breakthroughs" after a car with secret compartments was found on a rural property which was linked with Joseph's disappearance. Police said they believed Joseph's remains could also be located on the property where the vehicle was found.^[27]

On 11 Jul 2018, the NSW Police announced the reward of $1 million in a bid to encourage people to offer up a "final piece" of information to prosecute those involved in the 2014 murder of Joseph. Police believe people who murdered Joseph were known to them and that he was murdered for financial gain and betrayed by the people he trusted. Police also allege that his body was dumped in a barrel and dissolved in acid.^[28]

On 24, September 2013, more than 300 armed Sydney Police undertook 22 raids that "severely disrupted" the gang. Fifteen suspects were arrested, with four jet skis, a Lotus sports car, replica guns and a boat were confiscated by NSW police for the investigation. A high-ranking member and gang coordinator was arrested at the Rossmore property and charged. The criminals faced 29 charges relating to drug provision and possession and being part of a gang. 8 kg of cannabis was found in one of the raids, plus close to $25,000 in cash.^[29]

In 2014 police arrested Assyrian gang members and said that it had dismantled the gang's operations and described the gang as finished. Police had seized $20,000 worth of cannabis from the properties raided. Police revealed how a seizure of ten guns from the gang led to the downfall of the DLASTHR criminal organisation and the arrest of scores of drug-dealing thugs in Southwest Sydney. Soon after the guns were found and two gang members arrested in early 2012, a secret Strike force aimed at the heart of the Assyrian crime gangs in the area was set up. Named Evesson, the strike force was a unique and massive intelligence gathering operation done by police at a local level.^[30][31]

in 2015, Adnan "Eddie" Darwiche was stabbed multiple times in Goulburn's maximum security jail by members of the Assyrian gang. It was believed that Muslim gang members had been planning to take extremist action against those who oppose their religion. In a pre-emptive strike, the Assyrians struck first, in a daylight attack which happened in front of four prison guards. Darwiche sustained eight stab wounds inflicted by Linard Shamouil, who wielded an improvised weapon crafted from a toilet brush. Concurrently, an associate of Darwiche was assaulted with a sandwich toaster handle. Prison intel said the attack was due to the Muslims versus Christians war that is going on in the prison.^[32]

In August 2016, in retaliation to the stabbing of Darwiche, who was moved to Cessnock prison after being attacked, Fadi "Ricky" Shamoun was stabbed by Darwiche and another inmate in his prison cell as payback. Shamoun was stabbed multiple times to his forearms, body and back of the head, with an aluminum window frame sharpened into a knife. Shamoun was not seriously wounded, and was back in jail the same day. Shamoun who has close ties to the Assyrian gang, is serving a minimum 27-year sentence for murder, over a business dispute.^[33]

In 2016, conflict between DLASTHR and a young breakaway group known as "True Kings", resulted in Drive by shootings, fire bombings and intimidation, as tensions over drug supply erupted between the two gangs.

In March 2016, a house fire in Edensor Park was linked to the escalating conflict between the Assyrian Kings and the True Kings, rival groups vying for control in the city's southwest. Although it was initially believed that the house was unoccupied when the fire started, local police and the Middle Eastern Crime Squad investigated it as a suspicious incident. This fire occurred after two cars at the same address were firebombed a month earlier, during which a 21-year-old resident reported hearing "explosions," leading police to classify the event as a targeted attack.^[34]

On 11, May 2016 police arrested and charged three gang members with shoot with intent to murder, over an incident occurring in Edensor Park.

Police alleged that three gang members fired shots at a car driven by members of the rival group, the True Kings. While the passenger successfully fled, one man was trapped inside the car and was approached by a gang member who allegedly attempted to shoot at him, but the weapon did not fire. Samer Marcus, Danny Hanna, and George Hanna were arrested and appeared before Fairfield Local Court and charged with shooting with intent to murder.^[35]

In August 2016, one of the associates of the gang were charged over attempted murder of a 14-year-old at Fairfield railway station. The boy, who survived the attack, was found bleeding with multiple stab wounds.^[36] On 17 October 2018, a conviction of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was announced . Olivar Merza was sentenced to 12 years for the near-fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Fairfield in 2016.^[37]

On 24 December 2016, 20-year-old Antonio Hermiz, was shot dead at Lizard Log park Wetherill Park. 18-year-old Ronaldo Odisho was wounded at the same time. The pair were sitting inside their vehicle at the popular Park when another car approached. Witnesses saw two groups of men arguing before shots were fired. The two men were both known to police and had ties to the gang.^[38]

Earlier that same year, ex-Nomads bikie gang member Adrian Buxton had been shot dead outside his home on 17 May 2016. After the murder of Hermiz, police investigation lead them to believe that Assyrian criminal organization was responsible for the murder of Buxton, but varying theories for the motive are yet to be solidified with evidence.

Police seized a car, a .32 calibre pistol and a 357 Magnum at a house in Cabramatta where two gang members were arrested in September 2016. Police believe both were used to murder Buxton. Ballistic examinations concluded that the weapon was used to murder Buxton.

It's understood that Hermiz was trying to hide an Audi Q7 used in the murder of Adrian Buxton, before he was murdered at the Lizard Log Park, but police are yet to find the car.

Police suggest several possibilities regarding Buxton's death: he may have been having an affair with someone linked to a member of the Assyrian gang, a payment might have been made for a professional hit on him, or he could have been killed due to his connections with an outlaw motorcycle gang..^[39]

Police would not say if Hermiz was directly involved in the murder or what his role was, including disposing of the getaway car.^[39]

In April 2021, Olivar Merza was charged For hindering Buxton’s murder investigation. Merza, who was already serving a 12-year jail sentence, was sentenced to a further two years and three months in prison with a non-parole period of one year in his involvement of Buxton's murder. Court documents revealed that Mr Merza owned the Audi Q7 used in the shooting of Mr. Buxton and that he was using associates to conceal the vehicle.^[40]

In February 2017, Alina Antal was arrested in Cabramatta and was accused of being involved in cannabis supply in the greater Fairfield area. Antal is alleged to have been recruiting, as well as directing teenagers. Police allege she was closely associated with Olivar Merza, a member of DLASTHR. Eight people were arrested, one those targeted included the brother of an alleged associate of the gang, who is in jail.

Investigators seized cannabis, cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, clothing and drug paraphernalia in raids of seven homes in Fairfield, Cabramatta West, Smithfield and Elizabeth Hills. Antal and Merza, were both charged with recruiting young teenage boys, and acting with intent to pervert the course of justice.^[41]

In March 2017, police discovered that the Assyrian crime gang was operating from Queensland's Gold Coast with drug distribution in the area. Police arrested and charged Kris Mircevski, with more than 30 drugs charges. police allege Mircevski was operating in the Gold coast for a number of years, and that many gang members were visiting the Gold Coast on a regular basis. Police also allege that the gang was assisting outlaw motorcycle gangs with the distribution of drugs and weapons.^[42]

In June 2020, Samer Marcus, a senior member of the Assyrian gang, was shot when a man unleashed a number of shots as one hit Marcus in the face. It was revealed that Marcus had driven to Bonnyrigg Heights to confront a 33-year-old man he had a grievance with. Marcus turned up at hospital with a gunshot wound three days after being hit with the bullet. Adam Saliba was charged with ten offences, including shooting with intent to murder and discharging a firearm. Marcus was also charged with concealing information from police after not reporting that he was shot.^[43]

On November 6, 2020, Marcus was gunned down outside his parents' home in Denham Court just before 9pm. He was shot five times in the face and head from close range. He was treated on-site by paramedics before being rushed to hospital in critical condition.

After surviving the assassination, Marcus was moved from the hospital he was treated at, for fear that those responsible for the hit would try to finish the job.^[44] It was the second assassination attempt on his life that year, with his injuries so severe Marcus would unlikely fully recover that he would become paralyzed. Police believe the shooting could be linked to tensions between rival gangs in Western Sydney as investigators could not confirm whether the two shootings were linked or whether they are part of a separate affair.^[45]

In May 2021, Luke "Fatboy" Sparos, a convicted drug smuggler, was apprehended and charged with shooting with intent to murder and tampering with evidence with intent to mislead a judicial tribunal. Law enforcement officials assert that the shooting was retaliation for a stabbing incident involving Sparos and the victim at a NSW correctional facility on the mid-north coast in July 2019. Stanley Ceismann was also charged in connection with the case earlier that year. Police suspect that Ceismann stole a BMW M4 from a residence in Lilyfield in July 2020, which was later used in the Denham Court shooting. Sparos, 42, denied involvement in the alleged attempted murder of Samer Marcus as he awaited trial. In 2023, Sparos was additionally charged with the murder of Alen Moradian, a prominent figure in the Sydney underworld and a member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.^[46][47]

On January 11, 2021, Amar Kettule, a founding member of the True Kings gang, was fatally shot multiple times in his vehicle outside the entrance to his apartment car park. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Later that day, a burnt out dark-colored Jeep Cherokee believed to have been used in the shooting was found in Smithfield.^[48]

Seeking the public's aid, investigators released CCTV footage of two men fleeing the scene post-shooting and a white Toyota Corolla seen later that day on Reserve Street in Smithfield. The "callous killing" was linked to the ongoing feud between rival Assyrian groups the True Kings and DLASTHR. Mr Kettule's 19-year-old younger brother Dylan was also shot dead outside his girlfriend's apartment block in Canley Vale in January 2014.^[49][50]

In the early hours of Thursday, November 6, 2025, police detectives, investigating the Amar Kettule murder, executed search warrants at residences in Bossley Park and Austral, resulting in the arrest of two men, aged 22 and 23. The two men were refused bail and appeared in court.^[51]

In December 2023, Andre Kallita, a former member of the Assyrian crime gang, was targeted in a planned shooting outside the Day Street police station in Sydney's central business district. Omar Haouchar, Bilal's younger brother, was charged in connection with attempted murder. Haouchar allegedly offered a gunman up to $800,000 to execute Andre Kallita, but the plot was foiled when a parking enforcement officer noticed the getaway vehicle, which was illegally parked. Police arrested two men.^[52][53]

On 17 August 2025, at approximately 6:40 PM, police were called to The Harold Hotel on Ross Street in Forest Lodge, responding to reports of a shooting.^[54]

The shooting was a targeted attack, carried out by at least one gunman. The victims were reportedly walking to their car after watching the UFC at the pub when they were ambushed and shot at. Maradona Yalda, was seriously injured in the shooting, while his friend, Gilbert Shino, 39, tragically died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Police sources confirmed that Mr. Yalda, an associate of Assyrian gang had been recently alerted to threats against his life prior to his return to Australia less than a week before the incident.^[55]

Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and involved at least one gunman, though they haven't ruled out the possibility of a second shooter. A bullet narrowly missed a female staff member, striking the pub's window.^[56]

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli confessed that getting information from relatives and associates of the gang affiliates is the most vital aspect, stating, "If ever there is to be a message, it is to the family and friends of the people involved in crime. If you want to help ... to do the right thing then – it's about telling the police". The hesitancy to come forward has thwarted recent police efforts to put a stop to the rising gang-related crime in Fairfield. He described the gang as "a criminal group that have made thousands upon thousands of dollars through their criminal activities" and "have been involved in public place shootings, in murders, and have been a criminal enterprise within the south west of Sydney." He concluded, "The New South Wales police force will not rest until we put each and every one of these criminals behind bars and smashed this particular operation."^[57]