Inside Sydney’s Gangland Feud: The Deadly Hit That Killed Dawood Zakaria

On the evening of May 25, 2025, a violent episode unfolded in Granville, a suburb of Sydney, marking yet another grim chapter in the city’s ongoing gangland warfare. Dawood Zakaria, a figure deeply entwined with the notorious Alameddine crime family, was shot multiple times alongside Silvan Singh, a solicitor from Parramatta. This targeted attack, executed at a red light, not only claimed Zakaria’s life but also exposed the complex and brutal underworld dynamics shaping Western Sydney’s criminal landscape.

This article delves into the full story behind the shooting, exploring who Dawood Zakaria was, the powerful criminal networks involved, and the broader implications of this violent ambush. Drawing from detailed investigations and intelligence, we uncover the tangled alliances, rivalries, and escalating conflicts fueling Sydney’s gangland violence.

Table of Contents

• The Night of the Shooting: A Calculated Ambush
• The Alameddine Crime Family: Sydney’s Powerful Underworld Force
• The Role of KVT: The Muscle Behind the Alameddines
• Emergence of the Afghani Crew: A New Player in the Conflict?
• Who Was the Real Target? The Mystery of Samimjan Azeri
• Aftermath and Police Response
• Conclusion: A Dangerous Chapter in Sydney’s Underworld
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Night of the Shooting: A Calculated Ambush

On that fateful evening, Dawood Zakaria and Silvan Singh were traveling together in a Toyota Hilux when they stopped at a red light in Granville. Suddenly, a nearby Mercedes pulled up alongside them, and its occupants opened fire, unleashing several rounds into the Hilux. The attack was swift and ruthless, leaving Zakaria critically wounded and Singh seriously injured.

Two other men were in the back seat of the Hilux during the shooting. Remarkably, they escaped physical harm but were arrested shortly after for possession of an unlawful weapon. The Mercedes, the vehicle used by the attackers, was later found burned out in Maryland's West, a neighboring suburb, signaling a deliberate effort to destroy evidence and evade identification.

This level of planning and execution demonstrates how routine and calculated such violent acts have become in Sydney’s gang conflicts. The police quickly labeled the incident as a targeted and directed attack, with all occupants of the vehicle potentially being intended targets, though emerging details suggest a more nuanced story.

The Alameddine Crime Family: Sydney’s Powerful Underworld Force

At the heart of this violent episode lies the Alameddine crime network, a formidable organised crime gang based in Maryland, Western Sydney. Led by Rafat Alameddine, this group is one of Sydney's largest drug trafficking organisations, reportedly generating up to one million dollars in weekly profits.

The Alameddines first rose to widespread public attention during a brutal feud with the Hamzy crime family, a dominant faction within the Brothers for Life gang. This feud escalated into a violent gang war, including high-profile incidents such as the October 2020 shooting at Rafat Alameddine's home and the assassination of Majid Hamzy, a key figure in the rival family.

Dawood Zakaria's connection to this network is further underscored by his brother, Masood Zakaria. Masood was arrested in Turkey in January 2023 on charges including conspiracy to murder, directing a criminal group, and drug supply. Extradited to Australia later that year, he is considered the number two in the Alameddine organisation and one of New South Wales' most wanted men. His charges relate to a foiled assassination plot targeting Ibrahim Hamzy, a leader of the Hamzy family.

Given this context, Dawood Zakaria’s targeting in the May 25 shooting aligns with the ongoing attempts to dismantle or intimidate key players within the gang war.

The Role of KVT: The Muscle Behind the Alameddines

While the Alameddine family controls the drug trafficking and broader criminal operations, they rely heavily on allied groups to carry out violent enforcement and intimidation. One such group is KVT, an islander gang based in Western Sydney that has become a significant player in the local gangland scene.

KVT members are known for their aggressive loyalty and involvement in violent acts on behalf of the Alameddines. The gang’s leader, Joseph "Yo Fresh" Vokai, has faced serious criminal charges, including conspiracy to murder Ibrahim Hamzy. This connection has led to speculation that Vokai and KVT were involved in the May 25 shooting.

Law enforcement has intensified efforts against KVT in recent months, arresting multiple members linked to violent plots and weapons offenses. These crackdowns aim to disrupt KVT’s capacity for violence and weaken their alliance with the Alameddine family.

Emergence of the Afghani Crew: A New Player in the Conflict?

Police investigations into the May 25 shooting suggest a possible rift between the Alameddine family and KVT. It is now believed that a new faction, known as the Afghani crew, may have been hired as guns-for-hire by one or both sides in this escalating conflict.

The Afghani crew, thought to be former KVT members gone rogue, have been under covert police surveillance since late 2024. Their activities involve drug trafficking and violent enforcement, mirroring the operations of other Sydney gangs. This intelligence gathering led to the creation of Task Force Falcon, a large-scale police operation with over 150 officers dedicated to tackling gang violence linked to this group and others.

Who Was the Real Target? The Mystery of Samimjan Azeri

Although the police described the attack as targeted against all occupants of the Hilux, speculation has grown that the true target was Samimjan Azeri, one of the men in the back seat who escaped unharmed. Azeri is a known associate of the Alameddines and has been deeply involved in Sydney’s underworld conflicts over recent years.

Azeri is related to Umujan Azeri, one of nineteen men charged in 2014 with planning a mass attack in Australia, marking him as a known figure in criminal circles from the start. His involvement in recent violent incidents and public brawls with senior Alameddine members, including a notable altercation at Pitt Street Mall in June 2023, further cements his significance.

As the most powerful man in the vehicle, it is likely that Azeri was the primary target, with the others considered collateral damage or "bonus kills." This theory fits into a broader strategy to eliminate or intimidate key players in the ongoing gang war, whether through turning allies in KVT against each other or employing groups like the Afghani crew to destabilize the Alameddine network.

Aftermath and Police Response

Following the shooting, police arrested Azeri and another passenger in the Hilux for possession of an unlawful weapon. Tragically, Dawood Zakaria succumbed to his injuries in hospital, while Silvan Singh, although seriously wounded, remains in stable condition after surgery for gunshot wounds to his leg and arm.

The violent attack sparked public outrage and concern about possible retaliatory attacks. New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley condemned the violence, emphasizing that public safety remains the top priority. She pledged to pursue everyone involved, from the shooters to those orchestrating the violence behind the scenes.

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson linked the surge in shootings to ongoing gang turf wars over drugs, which are increasingly spilling over into public spaces. He promised that law enforcement would target all individuals involved, regardless of their role, to restore safety to Sydney’s streets.

In response to the growing violence, authorities established Task Force Falcon, a specialized unit comprising over 150 officers aimed at cracking down on gang-related crime across Sydney. The investigation into the May 25 shooting remains active as police work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and curb the escalating violence threatening community safety.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Chapter in Sydney’s Underworld

The killing of Dawood Zakaria is a stark reminder of the brutal gangland feuds tearing through Sydney’s western suburbs. It highlights the deadly consequences of power struggles within organised crime families like the Alameddines and their alliances with muscle groups such as KVT. The possible involvement of new factions like the Afghani crew underscores the evolving and complex nature of Sydney’s gang conflicts.

As police intensify efforts to dismantle these networks and prevent further bloodshed, the community watches anxiously, hoping for peace to return. The investigation into this attack and the broader gangland violence will be ongoing, with many questions still unanswered.

If you want to stay updated on this developing story and other true crime insights from Australia’s underworld, feel free to engage and share your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dawood Zakaria?

Dawood Zakaria was a man strongly linked to the Alameddine crime family, a powerful organised crime group based in Western Sydney. He was fatally shot in a targeted gangland ambush in May 2025.

What was the motive behind the shooting?

The shooting is believed to be part of an ongoing gang war involving the Alameddine crime family and their rivals, including the Hamzy family and allied gangs like KVT. The attack aimed to eliminate or intimidate key figures in this violent conflict.

Who are the Alameddine crime family?

The Alameddine family is a notorious organised crime group in Sydney involved in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises. Led by Rafat Alameddine, they have been engaged in violent feuds with rival gangs for years.

What is KVT and their role?

KVT is an islander gang allied with the Alameddines, acting as their enforcers and carrying out violent acts on their behalf. They are known for their aggression and loyalty within Sydney’s gangland scene.

What is Task Force Falcon?

Task Force Falcon is a large-scale police operation formed to combat escalating gang violence in Sydney. It involves over 150 officers targeting gang-related crimes, including those linked to the Alameddine family, KVT, and the Afghani crew.

Was anyone else injured in the attack?

Silvan Singh, a solicitor traveling with Dawood Zakaria, was seriously injured but remains in stable condition. Two other men in the vehicle escaped physical harm but were arrested for possession of an unlawful weapon.