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Detectives investigating gang-related murders and other serious crime under Taskforce Erebus have arrested a high-ranking outlaw motorcycle gang member over the alleged 2014 murder of a man in Sydney's west.
About 12.15am on Friday 11 December 2014, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command were called to Claribel Street at Bankstown after reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, police located a man suffering a gunshot wound to his thigh and several lacerations to his head.
An off-duty doctor rendered assistance to the man before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, who rushed him to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.
The man has since been formally identified as 29-year-old Youssef Assoum.
Since that time, inquiries into the man's death have been undertaken by detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad with the assistance of South West Metropolitan Region, under Strike Force Fairmount.
During the investigation, police have also received assistance from the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) and Victoria Police's Echo Taskforce.
Following extensive inquiries, a 42-year-old man was arrested by Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) officers after a vehicle stop on New South Head Road at Edgecliff about 4.50pm today (Sunday 28 August 2022).
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with murder and kidnap in company with intent to commit serious indictable offence (special aggravated kidnap).
The Victorian man was refused bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court tomorrow (Monday 29 August 2022).
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the man is one of several Taskforce Erebus targets allegedly linked to serious crime.
"We will be alleging this person is responsible for the killing of Mr Assoum in 2014 and that his senior position in the Comanchero OMCG links him to a number of other matters relevant to police," Det Supt Doherty said.
"As part of Taskforce Erebus' terms of reference, a significant number of investigators and analysts are examining an array of persons and crimes and any connections they may have to current criminal conflicts.
"This man's arrest should serve as a blunt warning to those involved; police are watching you closely and will abruptly end your lavish lifestyle when you least expect it," Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information about serious organised crime should contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
