The criminal community has been asked to turn over those responsible for the unsolved murder of an underworld figure, with a $1 million reward on offer described as a chance to start a new life.
Mohammed Keshtiar was gunned down by a drive-by shooter in a laneway off the popular Chapel Street precinct in South Yarra , Melbourne, on August 4, 2023.
A stolen grey Prado approached Mr Keshtiar and his associate on Almeida Crescent and a passenger fired multiple shots in their direction.
A person in dark clothing then got out of the car and fired more rounds at Mr Keshtiar as he lay incapacitated on the ground.
The gunman made a quick getaway in the car, which was later found on fire in Endeavour Hills.
Passersby attempted to help Mr Keshtiar but he died in hospital, while his associate was not hurt.
Victoria Police Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas described it as a "deliberate, planned and organised assassination" and a concerning display of public violence.
He said Mr Keshtiar was linked to a number of outlaw motorcycle gangs and associated with Middle Eastern-organised crime groups, with detectives keeping an open mind over whether the killing was linked to a ongoing underworld war over the profits of illegal tobacco.
"We know that our victim has connections to a number of organised crime groups and this has added complexity to the investigation and obviously makes it difficult for us to understand the true motive behind Mohammed's shooting," Det Insp Thomas said on Monday.
He said police believed multiple people were aware of the killing before it happened and asked them to come forward, acknowledging some people may question offering a reward to someone with "significant criminal history".
"No one deserves to be killed in the manner in which this person has been killed, he has family," Det Insp Thomas said.
"He has loved ones that deserve to know what exactly has happened.
"$1 million is legitimate money that they can take away with them and and create a new life with, I think it's sufficient and it's substantial."
