Police believe the fatal shooting of a man in Melbourne’s southeast is linked to the discovery of a stolen Prado that was found torched in Churchill Park Drive, Endeavour Hills. In September last year, authorities offered a $1 million reward for information on the shooting, and that reward still stands as the investigation continues. The case of the 23-year-old suspect involved in the shooting has been described as a “complex, ongoing organised crime investigation”, and prosecutors have requested additional time to gather evidence, including CCTV and telecommunications data. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court again on August 8.
The victim of the fatal shooting, Keshtiar, was born in Afghanistan and spent part of his youth in Pakistan before immigrating to Australia at the age of 19. Despite coming from a respectable and law-abiding family, Keshtiar had a history of involvement in criminal activities. He was first known to police in Melbourne in 2000 when he shot a nightclub employee in the thigh after punching another employee. Keshtiar later served time in prison for attempted murder and was subsequently recruited into the Mongols, a prominent bikie gang in the city. He was also the target of a murder attempt almost a decade ago, which led to the death of an innocent person mistaken for him.
Kheshtiar’s death is believed to be a targeted attack by underworld gangs in Melbourne, prompting concerns of potential escalation in violence among these criminal factions. The police investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. The burnt-out Prado found in Churchill Park Drive is considered a key piece of evidence in the case, linking it to the fatal shooting. Authorities are working diligently to gather all necessary evidence, including CCTV footage and telecommunications data, to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted.
The 23-year-old suspect in the shooting case, Kheyali, has a court appearance scheduled for August 8, where he will face charges related to the fatal shooting. Prosecutors have described his case as complex and involving organized crime, requiring extra time to collect evidence and present a strong case in court. Kheyali’s connection to the shooting and any potential motive behind the crime are still under investigation, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to Keshtiar’s death. The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court will continue to oversee the proceedings as the case progresses.
Keshtiar’s background as an immigrant from Afghanistan and his history of criminal involvement have added complexity to the investigation into his death. His ties to the Mongols bikie gang and previous criminal activities have raised questions about potential motives for his targeted attack. The discovery of the burnt-out Prado and ongoing police efforts to gather evidence highlight the seriousness of the case and the determination to bring those responsible to justice. The $1 million reward for information remains in place, encouraging community members to come forward with any relevant details that could assist in solving the case.
Overall, the fatal shooting of Keshtiar in Melbourne’s southeast has raised concerns about escalating violence among underworld gangs in the city. The ongoing police investigation, involving the burnt-out Prado and potential connections to organized crime, underscores the seriousness of the case. The suspect, Kheyali, remains in custody and is scheduled for a court appearance in August, with prosecutors seeking additional time to gather evidence. Keshtiar’s background and criminal history provide a backdrop to the investigation, shedding light on potential motives and connections to the crime. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they work to bring closure to this tragic incident.
