A close associate of a murdered drug lord narrowly escaped being killed in a thwarted attack at a police station, as parking inspectors discovered an illegally parked getaway vehicle, according to prosecutors. Andre Kallita was targeted in an alleged December 2023 assassination plot orchestrated by members of Bilal Haouchar’s crime syndicate, which operates out of Lebanon. The plot is linked to a feud with the Comanchero motorcycle gang over a drug debt.
Omar Haouchar, Bilal’s 32-year-old brother, has been charged with conspiracy to murder Kallita. Prosecutors claim he communicated using the alias “Invisible” on the encrypted messaging app Threema to coordinate the attempt. Kallita is reportedly affiliated with the Comancheros and was close to Alen Moridian, another drug figure killed earlier in June 2023.
Documents submitted to the NSW Supreme Court indicate that others involved in the assassination attempt may have also participated in Moridian’s murder. Prosecutors believe there is substantial circumstantial evidence linking Omar to the plot, despite defence lawyers contesting the connection at previous bail hearings.
Communication records show discussions about surveilling the police station, arranging for hitmen in a nearby car, and even the potential use of a drone. However, the plan was abandoned when parking inspectors noticed the getaway car. In the group chat, “Invisible” expressed frustration about the lack of interest in the operation, suggesting they reconvene at a later date.
The alleged plan involved several stolen vehicles that were to be destroyed post-attack, and a considerable amount of money was promised to participants involved in the hit. A second assassination attempt was subsequently planned but interrupted when police apprehended the shooter.
Omar was arrested in January 2024, facing a single charge of conspiracy to murder, although he has yet to enter a plea. In a bail hearing, he proposed a cemetery as collateral for his release, but a decision is still pending. Reports indicate that Kallita may currently be abroad, while the Haouchar organisation is linked to significant criminal activities including major cryptocurrency transactions, drug offences, and money laundering. Bilal Haouchar is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence in Lebanon.