Brothers for Life Gang Leaders on Trial for Murder

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By Blake O’Connor and Ugur Nedim

Blacktown Brothers for Life gang leader, Farhad Qaumi, and his second in charge, Mumtaz Qaumi, are currently on trial in the NSW Supreme Court over the murder of construction industry figure Joseph Antoun, who was executed by a third party outside his Strathfield home on 16 December 2013. The Qaumis have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In his opening submissions, Crown Prosecutor Ken McKay SC told the court that Mr Antoun was at home with his wife at around 9pm when they saw a man with a hooded jumper on their security monitor. The man is said to have walked to the door, said “I’ve got a package for Joe”, fired four shots at Mr Antoun through a wire screen and run away.

The gunman and getaway driver have both pleaded guilty for their part in the killing, which the Crown alleges was orchestrated by the Qaumi brothers.

Underworld connections

The Qaumis are well-known within criminal circles.

Recently executed underworld figure, Pasquale Barbaro, threw a lavish New Year’s Day boat party for Farhard Qaumi just days after Mr Antoun’s execution.

Mr Barbaro allegedly told Qaumi he was the guest of honour, and that the party cost over $80,000. The event was reportedly cut short after two gunmen fired at the boat, hitting Qaumi in the shoulder.

Police papers describe Farhard Qaumi as a “fiery, unpredictable gang leader” who would arrange for unruly members of Brothers for Life to be savagely beaten.

“Within that group, it was the understanding of the members… that the orders which are given by the membership are to be obeyed”, Mr McKay submitted. “There are consequences if they are not obeyed”.

Motive for murder

The Crown’s case theory is that Mr Antoun’s aggrieved business partner, Mr Elias, agreed to purchase Mumtaz Qaumi’s struggling Kebab Shop ‘Erina Kebab House’ for $190,000 – significantly higher than the $25,000 asking price on Gumtree. The difference, according to the Crown, was the contract price for the killing of Mr Antoun.

“Farhad Qaumi and Mumtaz Qaumi had accepted a contract to kill Joseph Antoun. In conversations, it was indicated that a person, Les Elias, was a person involved in that contract”, Mr McKay said.

Taskforce Osprey

Police recently established Taskforce Osprey in an attempt to stamp out organised crime in Sydney.

The Taskforce has already led to four men being charged over the death of Pasquale Barbaro, after police raids were conducted in homes and businesses across Sydney.

The trial of the Qaumi continues before Justice Hamill of the Supreme Court.

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One Comment

  1. Laurine Rerehau

    Hi my name is Laurine and I am a case-worker at Phoebe House in Arncliffe. Phoebe House is a six month residential program for women and their child. The women whom are admitted to Phoebe House are trying to change their lives by rehabilitating from drug’s and or alcohol use.

    One of the residents here at Phoebe House has been given a Court Attendance Notice reference number:NIXON H 65698781. She is required to present to court on Tuesday 07th February 2017 @ 9.30am.

    My question is, would it be possible for the hearing to be held in Orange? after the date of 10/02/17. This is due to the fact that this particular person will be exiting from the Phoebe House program due to her completion of the program around the 10/02/17. Also, the person concerned has a 4/5 month old baby and we are unable to provide care for the baby on Tuesday 07/02/17. This person lives in Orange and has family support up there who can help with the care of the baby, and will be able to support this person in court. Regards Laurine

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