Alzuain Brothers: Hells Angels MC Murder
On Monday, 11 December, 2023 three brothers were sentenced for murder.
Husain Alzuain, Mohamed Alzuain and Musa Alzuain were given non-parole jail sentences for 30+ years along with Daniel Jalleh, Ross Montgomery, Kyle Pryde and Nicholas Sianis.
There is a lot to unpack here, lets jump in!
About the Alzuain Brothers
Husain Alzuain
Born on October 1, 1987, Husain Alzuain is now 36 years old. He hails from Iraq and is the eldest among five siblings. Husain's father served in the army and opposed Saddam Hussein's regime, putting the family at risk.
Eventually, Husain's father was captured, leading his pregnant mother, younger sister, and him to live on the streets. In 1990, they managed to escape to a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia, while his father narrowly escaped execution in Iraq. Husain was just three years old when he was reunited with his father in Saudi Arabia.
Life in the refugee camp was incredibly challenging for Husain and his family. They endured harsh conditions, including limited food and water rations and facing violence from soldiers. Husain even witnessed soldiers threatening his father's life during this time.
When Husain was nine years old, the family resettled in a new country as refugees. Due to frequent moves, he attended several schools before completing year 11 and entering the workforce.
In 2012, Husain's parents separated, and since then, he has taken on a significant caregiver role for his mother. This involves providing financial support, accompanying her to appointments, and offering emotional comfort.
Husain has a daughter born in 2018 and got married to his wife in 2019. Together, they ventured into business and have been enjoying success in both their personal and professional lives. Husain credits much of this success to meeting his wife.
Since August 2, 2019, Husain has been in custody, awaiting trial. Throughout the trial, his conduct indicated his intelligence and understanding of the proceedings.
Mohamed Alzuain
Mohamed Alzuain was born on July 1, 1991, and is currently 32 years old. Although he was born in Saudi Arabia, he has no memories of the country due to his family moving when he was around 10 years old.
His parents separated when he was young, which led him to attend schools designed for troubled children during years 9 and 10.
At the age of 23, Mr. Alzuain experienced the end of his first marriage in 2014. However, later that same year, he found new love and married his current wife. Together, they have a young son. Mr. Alzuain has been dedicated to nurturing his relationship with his wife and actively participating in co-parenting. His wife has been a constant pillar of support throughout his life.
Mr. Alzuain's journey took a significant turn when he became associated with a group due to his older brother's involvement. This association brought him both companionship and a feeling of belonging. Before his incarceration, he had ventured into successful business endeavours.
Following his marriage in 2014, Mr. Alzuain made a conscious decision to transform his life. He distanced himself from the Hells Angels and embraced a new path. He has shown a strong commitment to the Islamic faith and actively practices it.
Musa Alzuain
Musa Alzuain, now approaching 31, he was born in a refugee camp and later moved to Adelaide with his family. His early years were marked by resilience and determination, as he began working at a young age. By 2012, Musa was managing a fleet of two or three trucks, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Outside of his business endeavours, Musa also found success in boxing, demonstrating both physical prowess and discipline in the sport.
His ability to run and operate his own business highlights his strong work ethic and leadership skills, qualities that are likely to serve him well when he eventually transitions to new opportunities.
Outlaw Motorcycle Gang: Hells Angels
The brothers involved themselves with the affairs of the Hells Angels North Crew to a significant extent. Hells Angels operate based on world rules which govern their actions, with local adaptations.
Rules of the Hells Angels
The gang has a hierarchical structure, members must obey instructions from those senior within the gang. Those who are aspiring to be members must obey current members, loyalty and obedience to the gang must be proven.
Failure to assist a member or uphold the gang's reputation can result in serious violence against the offending member. Here are workings and rules:
Regular Meetings (Known as Church)
- Meetings are exclusive to members for discussing Hells Angels business.
- No phones allowed.
- No recordings permitted.
Interactions with Police
- Members and aspirants should not speak to the police.
Priority of Club
- The club takes precedence over family, partner, and work.
Obedience to Club Hierarchy
- Strict adherence to club hierarchy and rules.
- Enforcement through monetary fines, expulsion, or violence.
Wearing Club Colours
- Only members can wear club colours.
- Unauthorised wearing may result in serious assault.
Disregard for Social Norms and Law Enforcement
- Outlaw motorcycle gangs often ignore established social norms and law enforcement authority.
Engagement in Violence
- Members are expected to engage in violence to protect the gang's reputation.
- The gang is to be feared and is considered strong.
Protection of Club Reputation
- Members must take action if the club is threatened, disrespected, or embarrassed.
- Offending individuals must be dealt with to uphold the gang's reputation.
Surveillance and Intimidation
- Members may undertake surveillance or use private investigators to gather personal details of victims and witnesses.
- Intimidation tactics are used to dissuade them from giving evidence.
Maintenance of Fear Reputation
- Members are responsible for upholding the gang's reputation for fear, which may include the use of violence.
Escalating Tensions between Hells Angels and Finks (2011-2012)
There was a deep-seated hostility between Hells Angels and Finks, a series of violent incidents escalated tensions between the two outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Key Incidents
- May 2011: Fight at a nightclub, injuring Mr Daniel Jalleh.
- September 2011: Shooting of a child at a Finks member's home.
- December 2011: Retaliation shooting at a Hells Angels member's home.
- January 2012: Arson attack on the Hells Angels member's home.
- March 2012: Fight on Hindley Street; senior Finks member fired a shot.
- November 17, 2012: Altercation at a kickboxing event.
- November 20, 2012: Firebomb attack on the Alzuain family home.
The Firebomb Attack on Alzuain Family
The Alzuain family home was attached with a Molotov cocktail, the Hells Angels and the Alzuain brothers believed that the Finks were responsible. Strong action was required to uphold Hells Angels' reputation. Musa Alzuain remained calm initially but became agitated when the brothers arrived.
Planning Retaliation
Wednesday, 21 November 2012.
Husain Alzuain led the response, contacting an inner group of aspiring Hells Angels members for assistance.
Plans were discussed and formulated among the group members, both in person and possibly over phone calls or messages. A significant number of weapons, including a sawn-off shotgun and handguns, were obtained for the retaliation. Members with regular employment arranged to be free for the day of the planned retaliation.
The Group convened at 501A Salisbury Highway, where Mohamed Alzuain and Mr Montgomery resided, witness VI was called to this location to assist with the plan. Inside the premises, the group was seen with weapons, drugs, and alcohol. Mr Montgomery was handing out hoodies to the group members.
Husain Alzuain instructed VI to tell a Hells Angels member operating a business nearby to close for the day due to potential trouble. He then directed VI to deliver the weapons from the boot of his car to another Hells Angels member living nearby.
The group agreed to track down and either kill or cause serious bodily harm to a senior Finks member, Mr Charles Bonnici. All group members deactivated their mobile phones, then set out to track down Mr Charles Bonnici, starting at Lords of Ink tattoo parlour.
Attack on Tattoo Parlour
Located at Diment Road Shopping Centre in Salisbury North, it is operated by Charles Bonnici, a senior member of the Finks.
The group entered the tattoo parlour as a part of their retaliation plan, they caused significant property damage inside the parlour. Persons present at the tattoo parlour were assaulted by the group, it was described as a "trash and bash exercise" by witnesses.
Mr Bonnici was not present at the tattoo parlour during the attack. He was at a crash repair business.
Someone from the parlour notified Mr Bonnici about the incident that took place and Mr Bonnici left the crash repair business at 17 Langford Street before the attacking group arrived.
Attack on Crash Repair Premises
After the attack on the tattoo parlour, the group travelled in convoy to 17 Langford Street where the crash repair business operated by Mr Vince De Ieso was located.
The vehicles pulled up adjacent to the premises and the group swiftly exited their vehicles and led by Husain Alzuain, who marched into the front yard of the premises. Musa was armed with a sawn-off shotgun and others with handguns.
The group approached the open roller door of the premises, four members ended up in a line, presenting a united front of armed men. Musa Alzuain fired the shotgun directly at Mr Vince De Ieso, killing him at point-blank range.
At least two other shots were fired from handguns, one .22 bullet penetrated a wall inside the premises.
They group then fled the scene to their vehicles. Eyewitnesses described the loud noises and chaos accompanying the shots. CCTV footage from the premises captured the violent attack, providing evidence of the group's actions.
Aftermath and Escape
The group split up, with some members heading to different destinations to avoid detection. A meeting point was arranged for members to regroup later.
They used different routes and methods to avoid detection while escaping. Mr Montgomery drove the Mazda to Kangarilla and destroyed it by fire. While the Pulsar used in the convoy was abandoned in a yard at Cavan.
Later another Pulsar was found with the original Pulsar's plates, indicating a process known as re-birthing.
Musa Alzuain coordinated with Witness VI to meet at a nearby park. A duffle bag containing weapons was handed over to VI for cleaning and destruction. VI was also instructed to take the weapons to another Hells Angels associate for further disposal.
Police Evidence Collection
Despite efforts to cover their tracks, evidence such as CCTV footage and witness accounts led to the identification and prosecution of the group members. Investigators managed to gather enough evidence for prosecution eight years later.
A critical witness provided a signed statement and gave evidence, aiding in the prosecution.
Sentencing
Regardless if the Murder of Vince De Ieso as mistaken identity, the group went to the premise with the intent to kill.
Mohamed Alzuain, Daniel Jalleh, Ross Montgomery, Kyle Pryde and Nicholas Sianis: Non-parole period of 30 years.
Husain Alzuain and Musa Alzuain: non-parole period of 35 years.