New details have emerged about the fresh allegations against notorious gang rapist Mohammed Skaf, who was arrested in dramatic scenes during a police raid in Sydney's southwest. The 42-year-old has been charged with a string of drug offences after authorities allegedly found him at the centre of a large-scale cocaine supply operation.
Skaf was arrested at a home on Juno Parade, Greenacre at approximately 11:30 pm on Wednesday. Footage of his arrest, released by police on Thursday, shows him being pulled from the house and seated on the edge of the footpath, breathing heavily as officers handcuffed his hands behind his back. Dressed in a black Calvin Klein jumper, jacket, and tracksuit pants, he was pinned to the ground before being escorted to a police vehicle.
Drugs and cash seized
Officers investigating an alleged large-scale supply of cocaine and other illicit substances in Sydney's southwest searched Skaf's home and a nearby park. There, they allegedly discovered $25,000 in cash and approximately 140 grams of cocaine. Detective Chief Inspector Jeffrey Walsh stated that the investigation into the drug syndicate began in March, with officers initially finding five ounces of cocaine in a park before searching the Greenacre property. Images from the search reveal the cocaine hidden beneath a witches hat next to a tree.
During the subsequent search of the Greenacre home, police allegedly located and seized approximately $220,000 in cash, around 68 grams of cocaine, roughly 10 grams of MDMA, a vehicle, and several mobile phones. Inspector Walsh described the amount of money found as "substantial," adding that police believe it represents proceeds of crime.
Skaf's alleged role
Inspector Walsh alleged that Skaf "directed everybody" as the leader of the drug syndicate. "He (allegedly) directed the runners... and the other two, the other male and female (allegedly) operated all throughout southwest Sydney," he said. Walsh noted that the syndicate was "well-entrenched in organised crime," but assured the public that police are working to dismantle such groups and keep the community safe.
Skaf has been charged with 24 offences, including supply prohibited drug over or equal to large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group. He was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court on Thursday, where he did not apply for bail. However, his solicitor indicated that a release application would be made on another occasion.
Other arrests
Skaf was one of three people arrested during the raid. Officers also searched a unit in Newington, where Winter Egitmeglu, 54, was arrested. She was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. Both were refused bail and due to appear in court on Thursday.
Skaf's criminal history
Skaf was released from prison in 2021 after serving nearly 21 years behind bars. He was convicted of gang raping at least six schoolgirls across Sydney's southwest with his brother in 2000, when he was 17. He was one of nine men convicted over the gang rapes, which took place in public toilets and parks. During sentencing, Judge Michael Finnane described the rapes as "worse than murder" and akin to "wartime atrocities." Skaf became eligible for parole in 2018 but his requests were repeatedly denied until his release in October 2021, when the State Parole Authority noted his improved attitude and recommended supervised release for 23 months. His parole order expired in January 2024.
