Australian police have charged two men, Brandon Maseuli and Yousef Rima, in connection with an alleged plot to kill four members of the rap group OneFour.
The men are part of an international criminal syndicate with origins in Lebanon, known for undertaking violent contracts such as murders and kidnappings.
Maseuli, 26, and Rima, 20, were arrested in Sydney and face multiple charges, including conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, directing a criminal group, and various drug and robbery-related offenses.
The targets of the alleged plot were identified as four members of the drill rap group OneFour – Jerome “J Emz” Misa, Pio “YP” Misa, Spencer “Spenny” Magalogo, and Dahcell “Celly” Ramos.
The motive behind the plot appears to be a conflict between the rappers and the criminal syndicate, according to police authorities.
The plot was discovered during an investigation into the broader activities of the criminal syndicate’s Sydney cell, which the arrested individuals were part of.
The police allege that the criminal syndicate’s activities are linked to various crimes, including kidnappings and a case involving over 722kg (1,600 pounds) of cocaine.
The investigation has also led to an application for an arrest warrant for a 22-year-old man believed to be offshore. Both Maseuli and Rima appeared before the Liverpool Local Court and were denied bail.
OneFour, known as one of Australia’s prominent rap groups, has faced previous encounters with the police.
Their music, characterized by dark themes and violent lyrics, has led to concerns about its potential to incite violence.
In 2019, the group had to cancel a national tour due to police expressing safety concerns.
Source-BBC
