'High-level criminal identity': Gangland execution victim 'had a big target on his back' - 9News

Police say the man who was shot dead in a brutal execution in Sydney's east this morning was a "major player" in organised crime who had "strong, high-level links" to the Comanchero bikie gang.

Alen Moradian, 48, is believed to have been a resident at the Whitten Lane apartment complex on Spring Street at Bondi Junction.

He was shot dead at close range while he sat in the driver's seat of his car in the building's underground car park at 8.30am today.

A member of the public looks out over a police crime scene on Spring Street in Bondi Junction. (Kate Geraghty)

A relative at the scene told 9News Moradian had given up his life of crime and insisted he was a good man.

9News understands he had moved out of the family home and had been living in fear for the past year.

It's believed the Bondi Junction apartment was meant to be his safe house.

A burnt-out Porsche located nearby in Waverly not long after the shooting has now been linked to the murder. (Nine)

A handgun and mobile phone were left behind at the crime scenes and will form part of the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty described Moradian as a "high-level criminal identity" who "had a big target on his back".

"We are saying this is a well-planned (and) executed murder of a high-level criminal identity," Doherty said.

"We believe the initial information was there were at least two shooters or two people involved."

Moradian was jailed for at least six years in 2011 for his role in a cocaine importation plot and had links to the Comanchero bikie gang.

He was previously described by his wife as the "Tony Soprano" of Australia's drug trade.

The victim was believed to have been the driver's seat of a car at the time when two suspected gunmen opened fire. (9News)

Doherty confirmed detectives were hunting for the two gunmen they believe were responsible for the gangland killing but added the investigation was still in its infancy.

Doherty said he wanted to "allay the fears" of the public after the brazen underworld hit.

"There's police out there now knocking on doors to make sure there's no retaliation or escalation," he said.

He said police were working to identify the shooters through Operation Talon.

"We are focusing all our attention at the moment on obtaining CCTV and witnesses and gaining as much information as we can at the moment," Doherty said.

A burnt-out Porsche located on nearby James Street not long after the shooting has now been linked to the murder.

Detectives are also investigating whether a second burnt-out vehicle – a Holden Commodore located on Cook Lane in Zetland – may also have been involved.

Three crime scenes have so far been established.

There are some 150 residents of the apartment complex where Moradian lived.

Police closed Spring Street in Bondi Junction following the murder. (Supplied)

He is believed to have resided on the 13th floor of the building.

Authorities continue to advise the public, motorists and pedestrians alike, to avoid the area. 

"This part of Bondi Junction is closed to all traffic, pedestrians and cyclists for the next few hours," Woollahra Council said in a statement.

A shop assistant who works on Spring Street, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald on the condition of anonymity, said police had blocked her from entering her workplace.

"At around 8am the police told everyone to go back inside, it is a bit scary, I'm not sure if someone is still out on the loose," she said.

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https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMifmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LjluZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9ib25kaS1qdW5jdGlvbi1yZXBvcnRzLW9mLXNob290aW5nLXNwcmluZy1zdHJlZXQtc3lkbmV5L2FhMTkyNTQ2LTY3MTItNDNjMy1hOGEwLTBjNzllNGQ1MzA5Y9IBAA?oc=5

2023-06-27 11:53:30Z
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