Iosefa Laulu charged over blaze linked to underworld identity Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim
A man accused of setting fire to a gym linked to slain underworld figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim has faced court for the first time.
Iosefa Laulu, 19, did not apply for bail during a brief hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.
He was arrested on Tuesday and charged over the October 2024 arson attack on a bicycle store and gymnasium on Lygon Street in Brunswick East.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The gym, which sat above the store, was reportedly linked to Abdulrahim, a professional boxer and former bikie, who was gunned down in January.
Investigators believe the gym was the intended target when the accused rammed the ground floor bicycle store’s garage with a BMW about 2.55am on October 15.
One of the male offenders set fire to his arm in the process of the arson attack, forcing him to flee the scene on foot, police say.
Laulu was also charged over a Fawkner tobacco store blaze on September 30.
He is facing three counts of criminal damage by fire, one count of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of handling stolen goods and two counts of driving while disqualified.
Laulu’s lawyer told the court the 19-year-old would be vulnerable in custody due to his age and appearance.
He was remanded in custody and will return to court in June, alongside his 19-year-old male co-accused.
Abdulrahim, 32, was shot dead at a Preston hotel car park on January 28, after he previously survived at least six attempts on his life.
Police are yet to lay any charges over Abdulrahim’s death.
