Afghan Ali Murder Explained: Gang Rivalries, Retribution & the Code of Silence

The brutal execution of Mohammed "Afghan Ali" Keshtyar in the quiet streets of South Yarra sent shockwaves through Melbourne’s criminal underworld and law enforcement alike. This was not just another gangland killing; it was a stark reminder of the escalating violence and ruthless power struggles underpinning the city’s illicit tobacco wars and biker gang rivalries. Understanding the full story of Afghan Ali requires delving deep into his turbulent past, his rise through the criminal ranks, the complex web of alliances and feuds that defined Melbourne’s underworld, and the painstaking police investigation that followed his assassination.

This comprehensive article unpacks the life, crimes, and eventual murder of Afghan Ali, exploring how one man’s death exposed the volatile dynamics of Melbourne’s organised crime scene. From his origins in war-torn Afghanistan to his final moments on Almeida Crescent, this is the story behind one of the city’s most chilling gangland hits.

Table of Contents

• From Afghanistan to Australia: The Early Life of Afghan Ali
• The Public Descent: Violence at the Dome Nightclub
• Escalation and Incarceration: The 2003 Shooting
• Transformation Behind Bars: Alliances and Influence in Prison
• Return to Freedom and the Shadow of Retribution
• Living Under Threat: The Move to South Yarra
• The Aftermath: Investigation and Underworld Fallout
• The Tobacco War and the Shadow of Qasem Hamad
• The Code of Silence and Police Strategies
• Breakthrough Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
• Bail Hearing and Legal Proceedings
• Unanswered Questions and the Future of Melbourne’s Underworld
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

From Afghanistan to Australia: The Early Life of Afghan Ali

Mohammed Akbar Qeshtyar, better known on the streets as Afghan Ali, was born into a world of conflict and survival. His early years in Afghanistan were marked by the turmoil of the 1990s as the Taliban tightened its grip on the country. Raised in an environment where toughness was essential and violence was an everyday reality, Ali's childhood was shaped by hardship and displacement.

His family fled Afghanistan amid the escalating violence, spending time in Pakistan before eventually settling in Australia when Ali was just nineteen. Contrary to the image often associated with future gangland figures, Ali’s initial years in Australia painted a different picture. Acquaintances described him as a hardworking individual who took on various jobs, including security work, taxi driving, and nightclub bouncing. He came from a respectable, law-abiding family and was seen as quiet but driven, attempting to build a new life in Melbourne.

However, beneath the surface, the shadows of his past and the lure of Melbourne’s vibrant nightclub scene began to influence his path. His descent into criminality would soon become public and violent.

The Public Descent: Violence at the Dome Nightclub

Ali’s first widely known violent incident occurred in May 2000 at the now-defunct Dome nightclub in Proheren. What began as a drunken altercation escalated into a brazen act of violence that would foreshadow his future criminal career. Court records reveal that Ali was ejected from the venue after punching a staff member. But instead of leaving peacefully, he returned armed with a .45 caliber handgun.

In front of approximately 800 patrons, Ali shot a security guard in the thigh while his associate, Farhad Jamal, smashed a mirror with a glass bottle. Both men were known figures in Melbourne’s nightclub scene, especially within Afghan-Australian circles, having previously worked as bouncers. This incident led to Ali facing fifteen charges including intentional conduct endangering life, marking his first serious legal trouble.

Tragically, Jamal’s story ended mysteriously when he disappeared under suspicious circumstances in 2009, a suspected murder that remains unresolved.

Escalation and Incarceration: The 2003 Shooting

After being released on bail for the Dome incident, Ali’s violent tendencies escalated dramatically. In 2003, under the influence of drugs and consumed by jealousy, he stormed into his girlfriend’s house in Burwood and opened fire with a magnum revolver. His girlfriend was wounded but survived, while a male friend suffered multiple gunshot wounds and narrowly escaped death.

Ali was charged with two counts of attempted murder. In court, he attempted to deflect blame by naming other underworld figures, including the slain gangster Sam Zayat, but the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction. He was sentenced to fifteen years and six months in prison, with a non-parole period of twelve years.

This marked a turning point—not just in his life, but in Melbourne’s underworld landscape.

Transformation Behind Bars: Alliances and Influence in Prison

While many would consider prison a place to serve time, for Ali it became an incubator for transformation and power consolidation. At Barwon Prison, one of Victoria’s most secure facilities, Ali quickly adapted to his harsh new environment. He rose as an influential figure, not just through physical intimidation but by forging strategic alliances, especially among Muslim inmates and ethnic crime groups.

During these years, Ali aligned himself with the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang, becoming a trusted affiliate. Although not a founding member of the Mongols Victorian chapter, he helped bridge connections between Middle Eastern syndicates and bikie gangs, a relationship that would later reshape Melbourne’s organised crime economy.

Inside the prison walls, Ali was seen by some as a protector who could navigate the volatile prison politics with a mix of cunning and brutality. Others described him as unstable and ruthless—a man whose very name struck fear in the prison yard.

Return to Freedom and the Shadow of Retribution

After serving more than a decade, Ali was released on parole in 2017. Authorities were keenly aware of the risks associated with his release, fearing both his potential actions and the violent reprisals his return might provoke. Their concerns were well founded.

Within the same year, Ali became the target of a coordinated assassination attempt. In a tragic case of mistaken identity, a friend of Ali’s, Zabi Ezeidjar, was killed instead. Surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate the gunman panicked and fired, believing he had shot Ali. The suspected shooter, Hassan Topal, an associate of the Comanchero bikie gang, fled overseas before police could act.

This attempt on his life made Ali more cautious. While he continued his criminal activities, particularly in the illicit tobacco trade, he kept a lower profile, operating from the shadows.

Living Under Threat: The Move to South Yarra

In July 2023, Ali moved into a new apartment complex in South Yarra. The building’s secure features—swipe access, secure parking—were likely attractive to someone acutely aware of the dangers surrounding him. This move was no accident but a calculated attempt to safeguard himself amid mounting threats.

However, despite these precautions, Ali’s security proved tragically insufficient. On the night of August 4, 2023, at approximately 11:37 PM, Ali was walking down Almeida Crescent with an associate when a stolen grey Toyota Prado approached. Gunfire erupted, hitting Ali multiple times. The vehicle paused, and a figure dressed in dark clothing exited, firing additional shots into Ali as he lay wounded before fleeing.

Miraculously, Ali’s associate escaped physically unharmed but refused to cooperate with police, a common theme in gangland investigations where codes of silence prevail.

The Aftermath: Investigation and Underworld Fallout

Victoria Police swiftly mobilized their homicide squad, recognizing this was more than a street-level crime. The brazen slaying was linked to an escalating feud within Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade—a lucrative and fiercely contested market involving Middle Eastern crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Ali, who had a background in drug trafficking and gun running, had recently shifted focus to the black market tobacco trade, which had ballooned due to Australia’s soaring cigarette prices surpassing $65 per legal pack. At the time of his death, Ali was aligned with the powerful Hadara crime family and several outlaw motorcycle gangs, including the Finks and Mongols.

Together they formed the Commission, a shadowy underworld council established in early 2023 to regulate turf boundaries, curb infighting, and share profits from the illicit tobacco industry—worth hundreds of millions annually. While intended to bring peace, the Commission instead ignited a war.

The Tobacco War and the Shadow of Qasem Hamad

The fragile ceasefire between rival factions shattered when Qasem Qasem Qasem Hamad, an exiled Australian crime boss deported to Iraq following a heroin trafficking conviction, waged a brutal campaign from abroad. Hamad orchestrated a series of violent attacks, including firebombings, shootings, and extortion efforts aimed at seizing control of Melbourne’s tobacco trade.

Hamad imposed what became known as the "Kaz tax," demanding monthly payments from tobacconists under threat of violence. His campaign targeted businesses aligned with the Commission, undermining the Hadaras and Ali’s interests. Within weeks, over seventy arson attacks had ravaged Melbourne’s illicit tobacco scene.

Though Hamad is widely suspected of orchestrating Ali’s murder, there is no concrete evidence formally linking him to the hit. Victoria Police have not named him as a suspect, and no charges have been laid. His involvement is based largely on underworld intelligence and the broader context of the tobacco war.

The Code of Silence and Police Strategies

Five days after Ali’s murder, a chilling message circulated among rival gangs: "If you do not comply, you will follow in the footsteps of your fellow commission colleague. Kind regards, your worst enemy." This threat was a direct warning demanding the shutdown of Commission operations or facing similar deadly consequences. It underscored the ruthless nature of Hamad’s syndicate and their determination to dismantle competition.

Ali’s extensive affiliations with Middle Eastern crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs created a formidable wall of silence. This code of silence, common in gangland culture, posed significant challenges for investigators seeking witnesses or informants.

To break through this, Victoria Police launched a major public appeal in September 2024, offering an unprecedented $1 million reward for information leading to arrests and convictions related to Ali’s murder. Additionally, the Director of Public Prosecutions offered indemnity from prosecution to individuals who provided credible testimony, even if they had peripheral involvement. This rare move aimed to fracture loyalties and encourage insiders to speak out.

Breakthrough Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

After nearly twenty months of silence, the first major breakthrough came on April 4, 2025. Victoria Police’s Special Operations Group arrested 23-year-old Idris Kayali of Narre Warren, charging him with murder and conduct endangering life. Kayali, once a promising young boxer at Dandenong’s Fighters Express gym, now faced the grim reality of involvement in a high-profile gangland killing.

Weeks later, on April 15, 2025, a second arrest followed. Abdullah Hussein, also known as Abdullah Abdullah, 25, from Hampton Park, was charged with murder and conduct endangering life. Hussein was already in custody at Port Phillip Prison on unrelated serious charges, including aggravated home invasion and assault. His addition confirmed suspicions that the assassination was a coordinated effort rather than the act of a lone gunman.

Bail Hearing and Legal Proceedings

In May 2025, the legal proceedings saw a significant development when Supreme Court Justice Rita Ingurti denied bail to Idris Kayali. Prosecutors argued that Kayali was the gunman who fired multiple rounds into Ali and then fled the scene. They also highlighted his alleged association with former Comanchero boss Tarek Zahed, a key figure in gangland investigations who survived a prior assassination attempt.

Kayali’s defense, led by prominent barrister Dermot Dan Casey, argued the case lacked crucial forensic evidence, including the murder weapon, and maintained Kayali’s innocence. They proposed strict bail conditions citing his mental health struggles—PTSD, depression, anxiety—and personal hardships, including his wife’s coma in Afghanistan after a stillborn birth.

Despite these arguments, Justice Ingurti ruled that the nature of the crime and Kayali’s alleged conduct posed an unacceptable risk to community safety. She also noted Kayali’s prior violent behavior, including a disturbing assault at a gym earlier that year. The court found no exceptional circumstances to justify bail. As Kayali was led away, he reassured his family with a calm, “It’s okay.”

Unanswered Questions and the Future of Melbourne’s Underworld

Nearly two years after Afghan Ali’s execution-style murder, the case remains a defining moment in Melbourne’s criminal history. While two men sit in custody charged with the killing, many questions linger:

• Who ordered the hit?
• Who financed it?
• Who benefits from Ali’s removal?

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to unravel the complex ties between Middle Eastern organised crime, bikie gangs, and the illicit tobacco war. Ali’s death exposed the brutal lengths organised crime will go to protect or expand their empires.

As police pursue answers, the underworld adapts, shaped by ruthless ambition, deadly rivalries, and an unrelenting struggle for power. The story of Afghan Ali is a stark illustration of the dark, violent forces that operate beneath Melbourne’s surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was Mohammed "Afghan Ali" Keshtyar?

Mohammed Akbar Qeshtyar, known as Afghan Ali, was a feared figure in Melbourne’s criminal underworld. He was involved in drug trafficking, gun running, and was a key player in the illicit tobacco trade. He also had strong ties to Middle Eastern crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs, notably the Mongols.

What led to Afghan Ali’s murder?

Ali’s murder was linked to the escalating illicit tobacco war in Melbourne, involving rival crime groups vying for control over a lucrative black market. His alignment with the Hadara crime family and the Commission made him a target, particularly amid a violent campaign led by exiled crime boss Qasem Hamad.

What was the Commission?

The Commission was a shadowy underworld council formed in early 2023 by various crime groups to regulate Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade, manage turf boundaries, and reduce infighting. Though intended to stabilize the market, it instead sparked violent conflicts.

Who is suspected of ordering the hit on Afghan Ali?

While Qasem Hamad is widely suspected of orchestrating the hit due to his violent campaign to control the tobacco trade, there is no concrete evidence or formal charges linking him directly to the murder.

What challenges did police face investigating the murder?

The investigation was hindered by the underworld’s code of silence and Ali’s extensive criminal associations, which created a wall of fear and loyalty preventing witnesses from coming forward. Police responded with a $1 million reward and offers of immunity to encourage information sharing.

Have there been any arrests in the case?

Yes. Two men, Idris Kayali and Abdullah Hussein, have been charged with murder and conduct endangering life. Kayali was identified as the alleged gunman, while Hussein’s involvement suggests a coordinated hit rather than a lone act.

What is the current status of the case?

As of mid-2025, the investigation continues with ongoing court proceedings. Bail for Kayali was denied due to concerns about community safety, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests.

How has Afghan Ali’s death impacted Melbourne’s criminal landscape?

Ali’s death highlighted the violent nature of Melbourne’s illicit tobacco war and the complex alliances between ethnic crime groups and bikie gangs. It has shifted power balances and intensified rivalries, underscoring the ruthless struggle for control in the city’s underworld.

Conclusion

The murder of Mohammed "Afghan Ali" Keshtyar was far more than a violent crime—it was a pivotal moment in Melbourne’s underworld saga. His life story, marked by survival, transformation, and ruthless ambition, mirrors the volatile and dangerous world he inhabited. His death exposed the dark realities of the illicit tobacco trade and criminal alliances that fuel ongoing violence.

As the investigation unfolds and more pieces of this complex puzzle come to light, one thing remains clear: the shadows of Melbourne’s criminal underworld are long, dangerous, and ever-changing. The story of Afghan Ali is a cautionary tale about power, loyalty, and the deadly costs of life on the edge of the law.

For those fascinated by true crime and the intricate dynamics of organised crime, the saga of Afghan Ali offers a gripping, sobering insight into the forces shaping Australia’s criminal landscape today.