An aspiring Australian boxer stands accused in a conspiracy to murder a notorious Sydney underworld figure, as part of a guns-for-hire operation involving surveillance, staged vehicles, and getaway drivers.
Robin Faumuina, 21, known in boxing circles as ‘Student Of War,’ faces charges alongside three other men for plotting to assassinate Ayman Tamer. Authorities claim the group coordinated multiple failed attempts on Tamer’s life in Sydney’s west.
Investigation Sparks from High-Speed Chase
The probe began on September 26 last year when officers spotted a BMW with cloned plates near Bankstown Police Station. The driver fled during a stop attempt, abandoning the vehicle 40 minutes later. Police later found a loaded handgun on a nearby street.
Investigators believe the car’s occupants headed to execute the hit. Detective Superintendent Jason Box highlighted the plot’s severity: “The level of violence on this occasion was extreme, he was going to be murdered.”
Further attempts followed in subsequent months, though details on their failure remain undisclosed. Box added, “It’s expected in some shape or form that they will be targeted.”
Raids Lead to Key Arrests
Taskforce Falcon’s six-month operation culminated in Thursday raids across Sydney. Faumuina was detained at a Leppington home and charged with conspiracy to murder, participating in a criminal group, and firearm offenses. Prosecutors allege he was slated as the shooter, though he missed the initial chase.
Co-accused Chris Faigafa, 26, faces conspiracy to murder and directing criminal activities. Osman Sabsabi, 21, is charged with surveilling the target. Both remain in custody. A 17-year-old accomplice received strict conditional bail; his lawyer noted limited evidence tied to the day before the incident.
Faumuina’s bail was denied, with a court return set for June 24.
Additional Links and Ongoing Probes
Group members connect to an October vehicle firebombing in Riverstone; a 20-year-old faces charges there but not in the murder plot. Two BMW fugitives remain at large.
Tamer, previously convicted of supplying commercial methamphetamine quantities, received police warnings about threats. Box stated, “He’s thankful. We’re maintaining dialogue with him and he’s aware of the threats.”
No details emerged on the plot’s commissioner or motive. Further arrests are anticipated as inquiries continue.
