Sydney, Australia – A 25-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been charged in connection with the shooting of former National Rugby League (NRL) player Matt Utai, an incident that has brought renewed scrutiny to escalating tensions within Sydney’s criminal underworld. The charges come after a week-long investigation into the drive-by shooting that left the former winger in serious condition.
Utai, who played for the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, was shot in the leg and shoulder on Tuesday evening outside his home in Greenacre, a suburb in western Sydney. Paramedics provided initial treatment at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital. Police allege the shooting was a targeted attack, potentially linked to a feud between the Alameddine crime family and a group known as the ‘Coconut Cartel.’ The investigation into the alleged drive-by shooting has revealed a complex web of rivalries and escalating violence.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Shooting
Officers arrested the 25-year-old man in Marsden Park around 6:50 pm on Friday, and shortly after, the 15-year-old boy was apprehended in Emerton. Both individuals have been charged with shooting with intent to murder and participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity. The 25-year-old faces an additional charge of possessing a prohibited drug. They were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and are expected to appear in court today, with the man appearing before a bail court and the teenager before a children’s court.
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, three men and another teenager were arrested in connection with a series of shootings and firebombings believed to be connected to the same ongoing conflict. A 19-year-old was among those arrested in Guildford.
Rising Tensions and the ‘Coconut Cartel’
Police suspect the shooting of Matt Utai was not a random act, but rather an attempt to target his son, Iziah Utai. Iziah Utai, currently believed to be overseas, has previous associations with the Alameddine network, and investigators are examining potential links between him and the ‘Coconut Cartel.’
Superintendent Brad Abdy of the Raptor Squad described the ‘Coconut Cartel’ as a “crime for hire group” that has been openly advertising their attacks on members of the Alameddine family online since December. Superintendent Abdy expressed concern that individuals orchestrating the violence from overseas are exploiting those in Sydney to carry out attacks while remaining beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“Yes we are concerned about that,” Superintendent Abdy said Friday. “That people from overseas are able to effectively task people in Sydney to commit crimes on their behalf while they remain basically tucked away free from reach at this stage.”
What’s Next?
The arrests of the 25-year-old man and 15-year-old boy represent a significant step in the investigation, but police are continuing to investigate the broader network of individuals involved in the escalating violence. Authorities are focused on disrupting the activities of the ‘Coconut Cartel’ and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict between the rival groups. The courts will now determine the fate of those charged, and further arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing story. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others.