An Australian man wanted over a deadly 2023 drive-by shooting in Melbourne has been arrested in Greece, marking the sixth arrest linked to the high-profile case.
The 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody at Athens International Airport on July 31 following an international arrest warrant issued by Australian authorities.
He is accused of being involved in the targeted shooting of 27-year-old Robert Issa outside Craigieburn Central shopping centre in Melbourne’s north on October 6, 2023.
Issa was sitting in a white Mercedes with friend Eric Catanese when gunmen opened fire. He died at the scene while Catanese was injured.
The offenders fled in a black Range Rover, later found burnt out in Westmeadows. The incident is believed to be linked to Melbourne’s illicit tobacco turf war, though the motive remains unclear.
The arrest follows a coordinated Victoria Police operation on the same day in Melbourne, where five other men, aged between 26 and 33, were charged with murder, attempted murder, and arson.
Police described the group as “foot soldiers,” with higher-ranking figures still under investigation.
Victoria Police, along with the Attorney-General’s Department, are now working with Greek authorities on the suspect’s extradition.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the operation sent a strong message: “We will do everything we can to hold accountable every single person involved in this shooting.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: Herald Sun.
