Police are investigating whether the fatal and "targeted" shooting of a former bikie in Sydney's inner west overnight is linked to the city's spate of gangland violence.
Former Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu, 40, was shot around 10 times in the car park of his apartment building in Rhodes at about 6:30pm yesterday.
He was taken to Westmead Hospital but died early this morning.
Detective Superintendent Martin Hayston said police were probing links to Sydney's ongoing underworld war, which has now seen 14 people killed in less than two years.
"The attack in our view was a targeted attack," he said.
"The person who approached the 40-year-old male and shot him clearly was there to do that.
"Various lines of inquiry are underway for motive.
"I have no reason to believe or disbelieve that it's linked to other incidents at the moment."
In 2020, Nazlioglu stood trial for the murder of Comanchero boss Mick Hawi, who was gunned down out Fitness First in Rockdale two years earlier.
Police had alleged he was the gunman, but a jury found him not guilty.
Police said Nazlioglu was parking his car in the basement of the Walker Street complex when a gunman approached him and opened fire.
Police say he was repeatedly shot in the head and the torso.
Officers are still searching for the attacker.
"The unknown man who was seen to fire the shots was seen to leave in a small silver-coloured hatchback," Detective Superintendent Hayston said.
"A short time later, a small silver hatchback was located around the corner in a car park on fire."
Police have set up a new team, Strike Force Claypinch, to probe the murder, and whether it was in retaliation to Hawi's killing.
NSW Police have devoted a significant amount of resources to combat Sydney's escalating gangland war, which has now claimed 14 lives.
Last month, Comanchero boss Tarek Zahed was attacked shortly after working out at a gym in Auburn.
His brother, Omar Zahed, died from gunshot wounds.
However, the ABC understands the latest shooting is not linked to the war between the Alameddine and Hamzy crime families.
"We are pleading to members of the community who may have other CCTV or dashcam from the Rhodes area at around 6:30pm to come forward," Detective Superintendent Hayston said.
"Obviously in this situation when everyone loses a loved one it's very traumatic for them so we are providing every bit of assistance we can."
