Prominent Sydney businessman John Ibrahim has been revealed as the intended target of a would-be assassination near his eastern suburbs mansion.
Ibrahim, who made his fortune running nightclubs, can be identified as the target of the July 25 attempted hit near his Dover Heights mansion after a court secrecy order was lifted on Thursday.
Two men, aged 20 and 24, were arrested near the scene the same day after a scuffle with police.
They had allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a neighbour they mistook for Ibrahim when he drove a car, similar to one Ibrahim owns, out of the exclusive waterfront street.
The two men, Yousif Zrayka and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, have been charged with conspiracy to murder and firearms offences.
Ibrahim, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, asked the court in July to suppress his identity but prosecutors did not ask for the non-publication order to be extended after he reportedly refused to make a statement to police about the incident.
The drama unfolded in the upmarket neighbourhood about 8.30am on July 25 when a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a pistol was allegedly seen on the street.
Police allege 24-year-old Tupoulahi then approached a car and pointed a gun at the driver causing a tense 10-second standoff when the driver raised their hands before Tupoulahi allegedly fled.
A pair of men were arrested near John Ibrahim’s (pictured) house on July 25 after police were called to George Street at Dover Heights
An alleged gunman struggles with an armed police officer near John Ibrahim’s mansion
Police swooped after a man was seen wearing a balaclava in broad daylight near Ibrahim’s home, with both men arrested following a police operation
Tupoulahi allegedly got into a stolen rental car driven by 20-year-old Zrayka before they drove away along Old South Head Rd.
Police were called and a short car chase ensued after which an officer was pictured scuffling with one of the occupants before they were arrested.
A search of the pair’s car allegedly uncovered a revolver, a semi-automatic firearm, a container of petrol and rubber gloves.
Both of the arrested men were taken to Waverley Police Station and were later charged with a total of 19 offences, including the conspiracy to murder charge.
Zrayka, from Bankstown, was charged with eight offences, including stalking and intimidating Ibrahim’s neighbours, possessing an unauthorised and loaded black revolver and taking part in a police pursuit.
Tupoulahi, from Campsie, has been charged with 11 offences, including possessing an unauthorised Glock pistol and ammunition, intimidation, assaulting police and not wearing a seatbelt.
Two men aged 20 and 24 were arrested and have appeared in court charged with a number of offences
