Inside an alleged Alameddine attack on the Coconut Cartel
Sydney Morning Herald
by Perry Duffin, Riley WalterFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A suspected arson attack in Sydney's west has heightened tensions between two rival gangs, the Alameddine crime network and the Coconut Cartel, following the brutal shooting of former NRL star Matt Utai. Court documents reveal that just hours after the attack on Utai, unemployed teenagers Issa Rijab and Mohamad Hussein were allegedly involved in filling jerry cans with fuel at a service station. These teens are believed to have been hired by the Alameddine network to carry out retaliatory acts, including setting fire to Iziah Utai’s home and torching an Alameddine car.
The violence escalated after Matt Utai was nearly killed outside his Greenacre home, with both gangs targeting properties linked to each other. The masked arsonist filmed the destruction of Iziah Utai’s house, expressing hostility towards the Coconut Cartel. Meanwhile, footage showed a gunman opening fire on another property in St Clair, owned by the Utais, while喊 out threats. This retaliatory cycle continued as both groups targeted each other's homes and businesses, with police identifying six alleged Alameddine mercenaries involved in these attacks.
The NSW Police Raptor squad, specializing in anti-gang operations, formed Strike Force Halesowen to curb the escalating violence. Detectives tracked down suspects through surveillance and seized evidence, including cocaine and scales, from Rijab’s home. The discovery of a 1.1-kilogram brick of compressed cocaine and an unlocked safe containing more drugs highlights the criminal network's sophistication.
This gang conflict underscores the alarming rise of organized crime in Sydney, with rival gangs using extreme violence to settle scores. The involvement of young suspects, potentially acting on behalf of larger networks, raises concerns about the vulnerability of communities to such criminal activities. Law enforcement efforts are crucial to dismantling these groups and preventing further escalation, ensuring public safety remains a priority in the face of this dangerous rivalry.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026