Five ‘foot soldiers’ arrested over daylight murder of underworld figure Robert Issa

3 months ago 17

Homicide detectives have arrested five men over the brazen daylight murder of underworld player Robert Issa at a busy shopping centre car park in Melbourne’s northern suburbs in 2023.

Officers arrested the men during a series of early morning raids on six properties in Kew, Mickleham, Pascoe Vale and Fawkner on Thursday.

Robert Issa was gunned down in a busy carpark at a shopping centre in Craigieburn in 2023.

Investigators believe the men, a 29-year-old from Kew, a 31-year-old from Mickleham, a 33-year-old from Pascoe Vale, and two 26-year-old men from Fawkner, are foot soldiers hired to carry out the hit.

“We believe there are also people further up the chain who are responsible for ordering this attack,” Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said.

Thomas said the arrests represented a turning point in the investigation, but there was still work to be done.

“A significant and protracted investigation by the Homicide Squad over the past two years has led us to today’s arrests, but this investigation is far from over,” Thomas said.

“We will do everything we can to hold accountable every single person involved in this shooting. If you know you are part of that chain, now is the time for you to come and speak to us, because this may be your last opportunity.”

Craigieburn man Robert Issa died, and another man was seriously injured when balaclava-clad men sprayed their white Mercedes station wagon with bullets in front of horrified shoppers outside Craigieburn Central shopping centre about 3pm on October 7, 2023.

The men fled the scene in a black Range Rover, which was later found torched in Westmeadows.

Several witnesses attempted CPR on Issa before emergency services arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Issa’s associate, a 30-year-old from the northern suburbs, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Robert Issa; the burnt-out car believed to have been used in the shooting; police at the scene.

At the time, police believed the shooting was linked to organised crime syndicates fighting over control of illicit tobacco profits.

Police believe there are still further people with direct knowledge of the motive and of those involved, including those who may have financed and ordered the hit.

Thomas said the shooting was “incredibly violent” and had exposed innocent members of the public to serious potential harm.

“It shows immense disregard for human life, and it could have ended in the deaths of more people,” he said.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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