A $1 million reward has been announced for information that will lead police to the people who killed an underworld figure in a public shooting in Melbourne last year.
Mohammed Keshtiar was walking with an associate along Almeida Crescent, South Yarra, at about 11.37pm on Friday, August 4, when they were approached by a stolen grey Toyota Prado.
The car slowed as it passed the two men, before a passenger fired a number of shots in their direction.
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Keshtiar was struck a number of times and collapsed to the ground.
His associate was unhurt and managed to flee the scene.
The grey Prado then pulled up alongside Keshtiar’s prone form, and a passenger wearing dark coloured clothing got out and fired more shots into him as he lay incapacitated.
The shooter then got back in the car, which fled the scene.
The grey Prado was captured on CCTV travelling north on Chapel Street and east on Alexandra Avenue.
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A number of witnesses attempted tried to revive him before emergency services arrived. Keshtiar was then taken to hospital where he later died.
On Saturday, August 5, at 4.38am, the stolen Prado was located on fire in Churchill Park Drive in Endeavour Hills.
Investigators believe this was a planned, targeted execution with at least two individuals involved directly in the shooting, and with support from a number more.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone with any knowledge on those responsible for the shooting itself and who were inside the stolen grey Prado at the time of the incident.
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A reward of up to $1 million 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 Mohammed Keshtiar.
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.
“We know our victim had connections to a number of organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said.
“What is clear to us is that this was a deliberate, targeted organised crime hit. It was more than a simple street exchange – Mohammed’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence.”
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
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