Mohammed Skaf — the ringleader of the 2000 Sydney gang rapes that shocked the nation — has been charged with 24 new offences after police allegedly caught him running a cocaine supply operation from his Greenacre home.
Police raided Skaf's Juno Parade home on Wednesday night, uncovering about 68 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of MDMA, $220,000 in cash, several mobile phones and a vehicle. A further 140 grams of cocaine and $25,000 were allegedly found on Skaf and in a nearby park during the search.
Skaf, now 43, was refused bail and faced Bankstown Local Court on Thursday. He's been charged with 22 counts of supplying prohibited drugs, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, and directing the activities of a criminal group.
Two others were also arrested in simultaneous raids: John Harvard (aka Ahmed Warwar) and Winter Egitmeglu. Cops allegedly seized drugs, a baton and a ballistic vest from their Bankstown and Newington units. They'll also face court.
The arrests are the result of Strike Force Earley 2, set up in March to target large-scale cocaine supply in Sydney's south-west. Detective Chief Inspector Jeffrey Walsh said police had "dismantled" the syndicate. "All those people are going to court today," Walsh told 2GB Sydney radio.
Skaf's name is burned into Australia's memory. Back in 2000, when he was just 17, he and his brother Bilal led a gang of at least 14 men who raped six schoolgirls over several weeks. They'd lure girls from shopping centres and train stations, then repeatedly force them to perform sex acts.
He served almost 21 years in Long Bay prison and was released in October 2021 under strict parole conditions. His parole expired in January 2024. For a while, he stayed out of the headlines — until now.
This time, police allege Skaf wasn't just a user but a director — the bloke calling the shots in a cocaine ring moving drugs through Sydney's south-west. The cash and gear seized suggest a serious operation, not a corner-dealer gig.
Skaf remains in custody. He'll face court again as the case progresses. With 24 charges on the table and a history like his, he's looking at serious time if convicted. The other two accused will also have their day in court.
Strike Force Earley 2 is still active, so there may be more arrests. Walsh didn't rule out further charges as investigations continue.
For the victims of Skaf's original crimes, this news will land hard. Seeing his name back in court — this time for drugs — is a grim reminder of a case that scarred Sydney. But for now, he's off the streets, and that's something.