Underworld figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim, who was murdered in Melbourne today, shot to notoriety after a violent brawl erupted inside a Melbourne courtroom 10 years ago.
Since then, the man described as a bullet magnet has spent years dodging his enemies, all the while thumbing his nose at the people who wanted him dead.
He’s believed to have been involved in at least 18 shootings, assaults and firebombings since 2017, with multiple attempts on his life.
Warning: This article contains a graphic image.
The most notable was when he was shot multiple times in the chest but managed to drive himself to a police station and survive, then posted online that the “flops” behind the attempted killing would “get their day”.
We’ve mapped out the incidents surrounding Melbourne’s most hunted man before the 32-year-old’s life came to an end this morning.
February 22, 2015 – Brawled in court with rival kickboxer
The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court was evacuated after Abdulrahim brawled with rival kickboxer Omar Bchinnati, leading to Abdulrahim being pepper sprayed, handcuffed and shirtless.
June 27, 2015 – Crashed Ferrari while speeding, killing one and injuring 10
Great-grandmother Muriel Hulett, 88, died in hospital after the incident, having suffered chest injuries, a severed thumb and a fractured right arm.
Ten other people were injured in the crash.
September 26, 2016 – Witnessed the murder of Kadir ‘KD’ Ors by George Marrogi
July 19, 2018 – Jailed for Reservoir crash
He had already spent 519 days in custody.
March 2019 – Granted parole over crash
Abdulrahim was granted parole.
March 10, 2019 – Drive-by shooting attempt on his life
Abdulrahim was reportedly the target of a drive-by shooting in Brunswick.
June 2019 – Parole revoked
July 3, 2019 – Attacked on first day back in prison
Abdulrahim was attacked with a rock on his first day in Loddon Prison after his parole was revoked due to his life being in danger.
He then spent 72 days in custody, 35 of which were in solitary confinement.
2021 – Joined Mongols motorcycle gang
Abdulrahim joined the Mongols motorcycle gang but was reportedly kicked out after just six months.
June 25, 2022 – Ambushed and shot 8 times outside cemetery
Abdulrahim attempted to drive himself to Fawkner police station and get help before being rushed to hospital.
He spent two days in intensive care, discharged himself after two weeks with a bullet still lodged in his kidney.
He taunted his rivals from his hospital bed, sharing a provocative post online declaring the “flops” behind the attempt on his life “will get their day”.
June 2023 – Moonee Ponds tobacco shop firebombed thrice
July 2023 – Sues government over parole revoked
Abdulrahim sues Victoria, its Adult Parole Board and the Department of Justice over unlawful imprisonment after his parole was revoked in June 2019.
February 2024 – Boxing gym burnt down ahead of bout
May 2024 – Survives ambush outside his home, goes into hiding
A total of 17 shots were fired in the dead of night by a hit team.
June 8, 2024 – Thomastown home targeted in drive-by shooting
His home is again targeted in a drive-by shooting.
August 19, 2024 – Thomastown home, relative’s business firebombed
Fire crews responded to a blaze at a home linked to Abdulrahim in Thomastown about 3am.
A hair salon on Bay Street in Port Melbourne linked to Abdulrahim was targeted an hour earlier, when a car crashed into the store before being set alight.
