Melbourne gangland figure executed in carpark shooting

Gangland figure-turned-boxer Sam "The Punisher" Abdulrahim has been shot and killed in broad daylight on a Melbourne street.

A man was shot in a car park on High Street at Preston in Melbourne's inner north about 10.30am today (local time), police say. He died at the scene.

Homicide squad detectives are investigating and have not confirmed the man's identity but say they believe the shooting was targeted.

Dozens of officers and police cars were blocking a 100-metre stretch of road outside an apartment block as detectives were seen coming and going from the scene.

A bullet shell or casing could be seen on the road about 20 metres from a hotel.

A group of people were observed speaking to a police officer as they sat out the front of a neighbouring business inside police perimeters.

An array of colourful characters and locals were gathered at either end of the blocked-off area, asking about what happened and discussing the victim's history as officers stood guard making sure no one crossed the police line.

"Crazy stuff," one person said.

An associate of Abdulrahim posted a tribute on social media.

"It is with great sadness that our dear brother Sam Abdulrahim has tragically passed away and returned to his Lord," the associate posted to Facebook.

"May Allah have mercy on his soul, forgive his sins and give his family patience and strength."

Abdulrahim had survived previous attempts to kill him.

In May 2024, shots were fired at his Thomastown home, injuring the bikie-turned-boxer, and then in August the house was set alight.

He had also survived a shooting at Fawkner in June 2022.

He was jailed for more than three years in 2018 after killing a grandmother in a crash.

While in prison, he was attacked with a rock.

Abdulrahim was released on parole in 2019 with time served, but had it revoked six months later by the parole board when police feared he was the target of three shootings.

He spent 72 days in custody, including 35 days in solitary confinement, because of concerns he was in danger.

The board's decision was later overturned by a Victorian Supreme Court judge, who found Abdulrahim had done nothing to warrant his parole being revoked.

In February 2024, arsonists targeted two Melbourne venues in the lead-up to a fight Abdulrahim was due to be in.