Bodyguard of Rapper Ay Huncho Abducted in Sydney, Five Arrested

A 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and abducted from his residence in Guildford, Sydney, on Monday night, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Police have stated the man, identified as Emilio Chalhoub, is the personal bodyguard of rapper Ali Younes, who performs under the name "Ay Huncho."

Incident and Rescue

According to police reports, the incident occurred on Monday at approximately 11:30 PM, when a 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and forced into a vehicle outside a home on a street in Guildford. The victim was reportedly taken in his own vehicle.

Police located the victim's vehicle, a Ford Ranger, partially burnt in Villawood. At approximately 12:30 AM, police officers rescued the man at a property in Casula. Reports indicate he was found with his hands and feet tied and had been assaulted. The man was treated for facial injuries at a hospital and later discharged.

Arrests and Evidence

At approximately 3:20 AM, detectives executed a search warrant at the property in Casula. Police reported seizing a firearm, a baseball bat, other weapons, and clothing. The locations of the alleged kidnapping, the house where the man was found, and seized vehicles are being examined.

Five individuals were arrested near the Hume Highway in Casula within an hour of the initial report. They were taken to Liverpool Police Station for questioning.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Four men and one teenage boy have been charged in connection with the incident. The four adult men have been refused bail and are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Local Court.

The five individuals face charges including kidnap in company with intent to cause serious harm, participating in a criminal group, possessing an unauthorized prohibited firearm, and destroying property by fire.

The individuals and their charges are as follows:

• A 22-year-old man from Blacktown was charged with:

  • Kidnap in company with intent to cause serious indictable offence and actual bodily harm
  • Participate and contribute to a criminal group
  • Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
  • Blacken or disguise face with intent to commit an indictable offence
  • Destroy property in company (value greater than $5,000)

• A 21-year-old man from Queensland, a 21-year-old man from Macquarie Fields, and a 22-year-old man (suburb not specified) were charged with similar offences, including aggravated take or drive motor vehicle with a person armed with a weapon.

• A 15-year-old boy was charged with kidnapping offences and other related charges, including participating in a criminal group and possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm. He has been refused bail and is scheduled to face Children's Court.

Investigation

A crime scene has been established, and an investigation into the alleged abduction and assault is underway. Police are investigating whether the incident is connected to other criminal activity in Sydney.

Police reports and court documents have previously named Ali Younes as an associate of the Alameddine crime network. In June of the previous year, an alleged attempt to target Emilio Chalhoub resulted in his 62-year-old father, Bassam Chalhoub, being stabbed. A home in Merrylands associated with Ali Younes was shot at in September of the previous year. Ali Younes traveled to Lebanon with Rafat Alameddine in early 2023.

Note: A separate incident involving an alleged kidnapping attempt in Warwick Farm on a different date resulted in charges against two other men. That incident, in which a 27-year-old woman was allegedly threatened with a knife as she changed a tyre, is not connected to the Guildford kidnapping described above.