Sydney is grappling with escalating gang violence that has ensnared the family of former NRL and Kiwis star Matt Utai, after he was ambushed and shot in Greenacre on Tuesday morning. The shooting, which left the 44-year-old undergoing surgery for leg wounds, is believed to be linked to his son Iziah Utai’s alleged connections to criminal entities, prompting a large-scale police investigation and a series of retaliatory attacks across the city’s west.
The incident has sparked a major crackdown by New South Wales Police, who have established a dedicated task force comprising over 100 investigators to address the escalating conflict between rival gangs. Authorities believe the initial shooting was a targeted attack on Iziah Utai and subsequent arson and shooting incidents are directly related, aimed at the Utai family as a whole. This escalating violence highlights the growing concerns surrounding organized crime and its impact on innocent individuals within the community.
According to NSW Police organised crime squad boss Brad Abdy, “We believe all the offences are targeting one particular family. That’s the linkage between those offences,” as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. The brazen attack on Matt Utai occurred around 6 am as he was walking to his car, and he was able to speak to police before being transported to the hospital. A woman in her 50s was also unharmed during a separate shooting incident in St Clair overnight.
Son’s Alleged Links to Criminal Network
Iziah Utai, believed to be in his early 20s, is reportedly associated with a Sydney organized crime network, and is believed to be overseas. Newstalk ZB reports that he has prior convictions for firearms, drugs, and armed robbery. The current conflict is believed to be between the Alameddine crime family and a group known as the Coconut Cartel. An online message, purportedly from the Alameddine family, warned, “To the rat Ziggy Utai and hi (sic) joke of a cartel … This is just the start its a losing battle for you and anyone that dares to come against us.”
Following the shooting of Matt Utai, a home believed to be owned by Iziah Utai in Guilford West was targeted in an arson attack, with a house and vehicle set alight. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Audio from the scene, shared on 2GB Sydney, included a voice stating, “F*** him and the Coconut Cartel. This is the start of the destruction.”
Utai’s NRL Career and Community Shock
Matt Utai enjoyed a successful NRL career, playing 167 games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers. He was a key member of the Bulldogs team that won the 2004 NRL premiership, scoring two tries in the grand final against the Sydney Roosters. 7NEWS reported that his former club expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the shooting.
The New Zealand and Samoa international’s shooting has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. Police are continuing their investigation, examining forensic evidence from a burnt-out SUV found near the scene of the shooting in Wiley Park. The vehicle is suspected to have been used in the ambush.
The escalating violence has prompted a significant police response, with a dedicated task force working to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to de-escalate the conflict and protect the community. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as police continue their inquiries.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on bringing those responsible for these violent acts to justice and preventing further escalation of the gang conflict. The community awaits further updates from law enforcement as they work to restore safety and security in the affected areas.
