Detectives from the Homicide Squad are today announcing a $1 million reward for information in relation to the fatal shooting of Robert Issa in Craigieburn in 2023.
Five men - a 29-year-old from Kew, a 31-year-old from Mickleham, a 33-year-old from Pascoe Vale and two 26-year-olds from Fawkner - were charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal damage by fire on Thursday last week (31 July).
Investigators will allege the five men charged carried out the attack and detectives remain particularly keen to identify those further up the chain who ordered, financed and organised the hit.
This week's activity follows an incident almost two years ago where Robert Issa and a male associate were shot.
Just before 3pm on Saturday 7 October 2023, the pair were sitting inside a white Mercedes station wagon parked in the carpark of Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre when a number of shots were fired into the car.
Issa was pulled from the vehicle and a number of witnesses then attempted CPR before emergency services arrived. He was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
The other man inside the vehicle, a now 30-year-old from the northern suburbs, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The black Range Rover was located burnt out in Westmeadows a short time later.
Detectives believe there are still others out there with direct knowledge of the motive for the incident and who was involved, including those who may have financed and ordered the hit.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Robert Issa.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad:
"We know Robert had connections to a number of organised crime groups and this has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive.
"Five men have been charged for their alleged roles in the shooting on the day, but as we have said, this offending involves more than just those in the car on the night - it's the planning, the financing, those further up the chain and the facilitators.
"That is the reason for this reward. We know there are others out there and we will take every step in this investigation to identify them. If this reward leads to someone coming forward, then any information they provide will be thoroughly investigated.
"We have already made clear we will do everything we can to identify every single person involved in both the planning and the execution, and now there are one million reasons to come forward with any information you may have."
