Homicide squad announce $1 million reward after drive-by shooting murder of Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra

Victoria police have announced a $1 million reward for information that may lead them to a conviction after a brutal drive-by shooting in South Yarra.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad announced the reward for information about the fatal shooting of Mohammed Keshtiar just over a year ago.

Keshtiar was shot several times in the upper body in a drive-by shooting while walking with a male associate along Almeida Crescent on Friday, August 4, 2023.

“We know our victim had connections to several organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said.

“We also know that there are multiple individuals in the wider community who will have inside knowledge of the planning and the identity of those who took part in the shooting. We are particularly keen to hear from those people.

“What is clear to us is that this was a deliberate, targeted organised crime hit. It was more than a simple street exchange – Mohammed’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence,” Detective Inspector Thomas added.

At about 11.37pm, the pair were approached by a stolen grey Toyota Prado.

The vehicle slowed as it passed by the two men before a passenger fired several shots in their direction.

Keshtiar was struck several times and collapsed to the ground.

His associate was not physically injured during the incident and managed to safely flee the scene.

The grey Prado then pulled up alongside Keshtiar, and a passenger wearing dark-coloured clothing, exited the vehicle before firing several further shots into the victim, who remained incapacitated on the ground.

The offender returned to the vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

The grey Prado was then captured on CCTV travelling north on Chapel Street and east on Alexandra Avenue.

Several witnesses attempted to administer first aid before emergency services arrived and Keshtiar was conveyed to hospital where he later died.

On Saturday, August 5 at 4.38am, the stolen Prado was located on fire in Churchill Park Drive in Endeavour Hills.

Investigators believe this was a planned, targeted execution with at least two individuals involved directly in the shooting, with support from a number more.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone with any knowledge of those responsible for the shooting itself and who were inside the stolen grey Prado at the time of the incident.

A reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Mohammed Keshtiar.

According to established guidelines, the Director of Public Prosecutions will consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.

Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be provided at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.