Skaf's Drug Syndicate Bust
Mohammed Skaf, previously convicted rapist on parole, faces 24 drug charges after Sydney raids
Key Points
Police released footage of Skaf’s arrest showing him being pinned to the ground, breathing heavily as officers cuffed his hands behind his back, then marched to a police vehicle. The video also shows Skaf dressed in a black Calvin Klein jumper, jacket and tracksuit pants.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeffrey Walsh said officers first found cocaine in a park—described as “five ounces”—before later searching the Greenacre property, where the cocaine was reportedly hidden beneath a “witches hat” next to a tree.
When Skaf appeared in Bankstown Local Court, he did not apply for bail, but his solicitor flagged he would seek a “release application” on a later occasion, according to reporting alongside the court appearance.
A separate report identified two other people alleged to be working with Skaf as “John Harvard” (also known as “Ahmed Warwar”) and “Winter Egitmeglu,” described by detectives as “runners.” That same report also said Skaf was hospitalised after an alleged struggle with police and was remanded in custody until Friday while bail was expected.
Mohammed Skaf, 42, the convicted gang rapist who terrorised Sydney schoolgirls in 2000, was arrested late Wednesday and charged with 24 alleged drug offences Sky News Australia. Police allege he was the "principal" of a large-scale cocaine and MDMA supply syndicate operating in Sydney's southwest, directing runners and hiding drugs in public parks AAP via Kyabram Free Press.
Officers from Strike Force Malton arrested Skaf on Juno Parade, Greenacre, around 11:30 PM. An alleged struggle with police led to his brief hospitalisation before he was remanded in custody The Noticer. He appeared in Bankstown Local Court via video link on Thursday and did not apply for bail.
$250,000 in Cash and Drugs Hidden in a Park
Searches of Skaf's Greenacre home, a nearby park, and a vehicle turned up roughly $250,000 in cash, cocaine, and MDMA The Noticer. Police found $220,000 at the residence and $25,000 during the park search. About 140 grams — five ounces — of cocaine was allegedly stashed under a "witches hat" traffic cone next to a tree AAP via Kyabram Free Press.
A further 68 grams of cocaine was allegedly found inside the Greenacre home. In total, police allege Skaf supplied around 2.5 kilograms of cocaine between March and June 2026. Detective Chief Inspector Jeffrey Walsh said Skaf "directed everybody, he directed the runners" AAP via Kyabram Free Press. Walsh said the park drop method was designed to keep Skaf distanced from the physical drugs.
Two Alleged Runners Arrested in Simultaneous Raids
Police arrested two others alongside Skaf. John Harvard — also known as Ahmed Warwar, 51 — was picked up at a unit in Bankstown The Noticer. A search of that property allegedly turned up cash, MDMA, a ballistic vest, a baton, and steroids. He was charged with drug supply and weapons offences and refused bail.
Winter Egitmeglu, 54, was arrested in a simultaneous raid at a unit in Newington. Police allegedly found ketamine and MDMA at that property The Noticer. Both Warwar and Egitmeglu were described by detectives as "runners" for Skaf's syndicate. All three were refused bail and are set to face court in Bankstown or Burwood.
From 23-Year Rape Sentence to Free Man — Then Re-Arrested
Skaf was 17 when he led a series of gang rapes of at least six schoolgirls across Sydney in August 2000. The sentencing judge called the attacks events "you hear about or read about only in the context of wartime atrocities" The Epoch Times. He was convicted in 2002 and served a 23-year sentence.
Skaf was released on strict parole — including 24-hour electronic monitoring — on October 5, 2021. His parole expired on January 1, 2024, leaving him free with no supervision. Police say their current investigation began just two years later, in March 2026 Head Topics. The speed of his alleged return to serious crime has renewed calls to review NSW's parole and post-sentence detention laws.
Bail Bid Expected Friday as Skaf Remains in Custody
Skaf did not apply for bail when he appeared in court Thursday. His solicitor, Mohamad Sakr, told the court a "release application" would be made on a later occasion — expected Friday AAP via Kyabram Free Press. The defense is likely to challenge the "directing" charge, potentially arguing that links between Skaf and the physical drugs found in the park are circumstantial.
If convicted of directing a criminal syndicate and commercial drug supply, Skaf faces a maximum penalty of 20 years to life under NSW law. Police released footage of his arrest showing him pinned to the ground, hands cuffed behind his back, dressed in a black Calvin Klein jumper and tracksuit pants before being marched to a police vehicle Sky News Australia.
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