Detectives from the Homicide Squad are today announcing a $1 million reward for information in relation to the fatal shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra just over a year ago.
Keshtiar was shot a number of times in the upper body in a drive by shooting while walking with a male associate along Almeida Crescent on Friday 4 August, 2023.
About 11.37pm, the pair was approached by a stolen grey Toyota Prado.
The vehicle slowed as it passed by the two men, before a passenger fired a number of shots in their direction.
Keshtiar was struck a number of times and collapsed to the ground.
His associate was not physically injured during the incident and managed to flee the scene to safety.
The grey Prado then pulled up alongside Keshtiar, and a passenger wearing dark coloured clothing, exited the vehicle before firing a number of further shots into the victim, who remained incapacitated on the ground.
The offender returned to the vehicle, before fleeing the scene.
The grey Prado was then captured on CCTV travelling north on Chapel Street and east on Alexandra Avenue.
A number of witnesses attempted to administer first aid before emergency services arrived and Keshtiar was conveyed to hospital where he later died.
On Saturday, 5 August at 4.38am, the stolen Prado was located on fire in Churchill Park Drive in Endeavour Hills.
Investigators believe this was a planned, targeted execution with at least two individuals involved directly in the shooting, with support from a number more.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone with any knowledge on those responsible for the shooting itself and who were inside the stolen grey Prado at the time of the incident.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mohammed Keshtiar.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad:
“We know our victim had connections to a number of organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive.
“We also know that there are multiple individuals in the wider community who will have inside knowledge of the planning and the identity of those who took part in the shooting. We are particularly keen to hear from those people.
“What is clear to us is that this was a deliberate, targeted organised crime hit. It was more than a simple street exchange – Mohammed’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence.
“Investigators ask that people look closely at the footage of the vehicle and if they have any information that may identify those involved, to please contact police. As always, this can be done anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
“This investigation remains a priority for Victoria Police and we are doing everything we can to locate those responsible and hold them to account.”
