Prosecutors admit illegal deportation

NSW prosecutors defending murder charges against alleged gangster Masood Zakaria have admitted he was illegally deported from Turkey back to Australia in two thousand twenty-three.

The charges and the fugitive

Zakaria, an alleged member of the Alameddine crime family, is charged over the two thousand twenty-one murders of Salim and Toufik Hamze. He fled Australia on a fishing vessel before police could charge him.

How he was brought back

The Australian Federal Police paid one point one million dollars to two companies, Skytraders and Hart International, to secure Zakaria's return from Istanbul in December two thousand twenty-three.

The legal challenge

Zakaria's lawyers claim he was kidnapped by private security and had a right to remain in Turkey while his deportation appeal was still pending before Turkish authorities.

Prosecutor's admission in court

NSW Director of Public Prosecutions prosecutor Chris Tan told the court Zakaria was prohibited from being deported while awaiting the outcome of his deportation appeal.

“was prohibited from being deported”

Security contractor denies restraint

Hart International security contractor Robert Scheeres denied restraining Zakaria, but the court was shown images of Zakaria in flexi cuffs on the plane surrounded by Hart employees in face coverings.

Case continues with high-profile witnesses

The hearings before Justice Edward Muston continue. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett and other senior law enforcement figures are expected to give evidence in the case.