Salim Mehajer has been charged with domestic violence and larceny offences after being arrested at a cafe in Sydney's west. The 40-year-old was taken into custody by officers from the NSW Police Domestic Violence High Risk Offender team on Wednesday and refused bail, due to face court on Thursday.
Mehajer was charged with alleged domestic violence-related common assault, larceny greater than $15,000, and domestic violence-related stalk/intimidate and intending a person to fear physical harm. The ABC understands the larceny charge involves the alleged theft of $41,000 worth of jewellery. Police would allege the woman gave Mehajer the jewels on a promise they would be returned as a wedding gift. According to police documents, she contacted his father about the jewellery, which allegedly prompted a phone call from Mehajer.
In one alleged phone call, Mehajer is quoted as saying: "From where did you get my dad's number, you slut? Why have you informed them with this." He allegedly added: "If you don't cut them from this problem I will bash you. You're playing with fire, you don't know who I am."
Mehajer's solicitor declined to comment when contacted.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence recidivism and the effectiveness of parole supervision.
- Mehajer's high-profile history and alleged threats may renew public scrutiny of the justice system's handling of repeat offenders.
Background
Mehajer first attracted public attention in 2015 when, as deputy mayor of Auburn, he closed a street for his wedding without permission, angering neighbours. He was later imprisoned for a series of crimes including fraud, assault and domestic violence. He was released on parole in July last year after serving about half of a seven-year sentence.
What to Watch
- The outcome of Thursday's court appearance and whether bail is granted.
- Any further charges or details about the alleged victim.
- Potential parole revocation given the fresh charges.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedSalim Mehajer faces court on domestic violence and larceny charges.Just In: “Salim Mehajer is due to front court after being charged with domestic violence and larceny-related offences.”
- SupportedMehajer was arrested at a Sydney cafe and refused bail.Just In: “Disgraced businessman Salim Mehajer has been charged with domestic violence offences after being arrested at a cafe in Sydney's west. ... Mehajer was refused bail”
- SupportedMehajer, 40, was taken into custody by officers from the NSW Police Domestic Violence High Risk Offender team on Wednesday.Just In: “The 40-year-old was arrested in Wentworth Point in the city's western suburbs around lunchtime on Wednesday. Officers from the NSW Police Domestic Violence High Risk Offender team swooped”
- SupportedMehajer was due to face court on Thursday.Just In: “Mehajer was refused bail and was due to front court on Thursday.”
- SupportedMehajer was charged with alleged domestic violence-related common assault, larceny greater than $15,000, and domestic violence-related stalk/intimidate and intending a person to fear physical harm.Just In: “They include domestic violence-related common assault, larceny greater than $15,000 and domestic violence-related "stalk/intimidate" and intending a person to fear physical harm.”
- SupportedThe ABC understands the larceny charge involves the alleged theft of $41,000 worth of jewellery.Just In: “The ABC understands the larceny charge involves the alleged theft of $41,000 worth of jewellery.”
- SupportedPolice would allege the woman gave Mehajer the jewels on a promise they would be returned as a wedding gift.Just In: “Police would allege the woman gave jewels to Mehajer on a promise they would be returned as a wedding gift.”
- SupportedAccording to police documents, the woman contacted Mehajer's father about the jewellery, allegedly prompting a phone call from Mehajer.Just In: “According to police documents, the woman then contacted Mehajer's father to ask about the jewellery, which allegedly prompted a phone call from Mehajer.”
- SupportedMehajer allegedly said, “From where did you get my dad's number, you slut? Why have you informed them with this.”Just In: “"From where did you get my dad's number, you slut? Why have you informed them with this," Mehajer allegedly said in a call.”
- SupportedMehajer allegedly added, “If you don't cut them from this problem I will bash you. You're playing with fire, you don't know who I am.”Just In: “"If you don't cut them from this problem I will bash you. You're playing with fire, you don't know who I am."”
- SupportedMehajer's solicitor declined to comment when contacted.Just In: “Mehajer's solicitor Mohommed Bazzi declined to comment when contacted by the ABC.”