A man who led a startling dual existence as a student during the day and a hitman by night has confessed to his fifth murder.
In his mid-twenties, Abuzar Sultani managed the demands of attending a prestigious Australian university while simultaneously running his own construction business.
Outwardly leading a seemingly ordinary life, he covertly embraced the existence of a merciless hitman, earning the moniker of ‘one of the most feared figures in the city’s underworld.’
Abuzar Sultani’s mugshot from 2020. Credit: Police handout
On Tuesday, January 30, the 35-year-old individual admitted culpability for his fifth murder. This marked the latest in a series of killings spanning three years, establishing him as one of Australia’s most prolific murderers.
Identified as ‘boss’ or ‘Abs’ within his criminal gang, Sultani confessed in court to the murder of Mark Easter over eight years ago. Easter, a member of a rival motorcycle gang, is believed to be his final victim.
Initially reported as missing, Easter’s remains were subsequently discovered dumped in a Sydney woodland in June 2015. According to court testimony, the biker had sustained four gunshot wounds to the head from a .22 caliber pistol.
Sultani’s recent admission regarding the murder of Mark Easter is the latest in a series of confessions. Previously, he had acknowledged responsibility for killing four other men during the period from 2013 to 2016.
He is one of Australia’s most prolific killers. Credit: Police handout
A previous restriction had barred the media from reporting on numerous court hearings, but that limitation has now been lifted.
During the court hearing, the judge characterized Sultani’s heartless actions as a ‘mindless killing spree.’ Sultani received three consecutive life sentences without parole for the murders of Michael Davey, Mehmet Yilmaz, and the mafioso figure Pasquale Barbaro, all of whom were discovered deceased with gunshot wounds.
An additional 20 years were imposed on his sentence for the killing of low-level drug dealer Nikola Srbin. Furthermore, Sultani received an extra 28 years for a range of charges, encompassing the sale and possession of firearms, drug supply, and orchestrating his criminal network.
Has been given life sentences for his crimes. Credit: 9News
Sultani was raised in a working-class family in Western Sydney and was recognized as a ‘clearly intelligent’ individual while pursuing a Master of Business at Macquarie University.
When questioned by a forensic psychologist about his entry into the ‘gangster life,’ Sultani admitted that he became involved with gangs during his initial incarceration as a teenager for armed robbery.
In November 2016, his dual life reached its conclusion as law enforcement, after months of surveillance, successfully dismantled his gang and apprehended the criminals involved.
“Much could be discussed regarding the transformation of this young man, evolving from a shy, quiet, intelligent middle child of a conservative, hardworking family into a notorious killer and gangster,” remarked Justice Peter Hammill on a previous occasion.
“It is a lamentable squandering of life.”
The sentencing for Sultani will take place at a later date.
