The fallout from a brazen shooting targeting former NRL star Matt Utai continues to escalate, with police now seeking his son, Iziah Utai, in connection with a separate gangland murder. The developments come as four individuals – three men and a teenager – have been charged in relation to the shooting of Matt Utai and a series of subsequent attacks, including firebombings, linked to a growing conflict between the ‘Coconut Cartel’ and the Alameddine crime family.
Matt Utai, a member of the Canterbury Bulldogs’ premiership-winning side in 2004, remains in a coma after being shot in the chest and leg outside his Greenacre home on morning. Police have described the attack as a “brazen ambush.”
While investigators initially considered the possibility of mistaken identity, attention has now turned to Iziah Utai’s alleged involvement with the Coconut Cartel. New South Wales Police have issued an arrest warrant for the 24-year-old in connection with the murder of Dawood Zakaria, a senior member of the Alameddine network. Zakaria was fatally shot while stopped at traffic lights in , and his lawyer was also injured in the attack. Police believe Iziah Utai has left Australia and is currently overseas.
The escalating violence appears to be rooted in a turf war between the Coconut Cartel and the Alameddine crime family. Following the shooting of Matt Utai, a video surfaced showing a man firing shots at a home in St Clair, with a voice declaring, “Utai’s family in-law… f*** you and the Coconut Cartel.” Shortly after, Iziah Utai’s Guildford West home was firebombed, accompanied by a voice stating, “This represents the start of the destruction brother.” This property had previously been targeted in similar attacks in and of last year.
Police have made several arrests in connection with the recent spate of violence. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to the attempted murder of Matt Utai, as well as supplying a pistol and participating in a criminal group. Khaldoun Khazma, 19, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to the attempted murder and participating in a criminal group, allegedly driving the gunman away from the scene. Two other men, aged 18 and 19, have also been arrested and charged in relation to the incidents.
Superintendent Brad Abdy of the Raptor Squad condemned the attacks targeting family members as “ridiculously disgusting.” The investigation is being led by Strike Force Halesowen, which was formed specifically to address the escalating gang conflict.
Iziah Utai’s history with law enforcement extends beyond his alleged involvement in the Zakaria murder and the current gang conflict. He has a prior conviction for armed robbery and was sentenced to 18 months in jail in , with a nine-month non-parole period. His barbershop in Western Sydney was repeatedly targeted by arson attacks before being permanently closed.
The investigation continues as police attempt to locate and apprehend Iziah Utai. The events underscore the growing concerns surrounding gang-related violence in Sydney and the potential for further escalation as the conflict between the Coconut Cartel and the Alameddine crime family intensifies. Authorities are working to contain the violence and bring those responsible to justice, but the situation remains fluid and dangerous.
