Mahmoud Abbas shooting: Potential motive for why Sydney lawyer was shot outside his Greenacre home revealed

The shooting of a high-profile criminal lawyer last month could be linked to the same underworld figures who kidnapped and shaved his head in 2019.

NSW police say they have found a possible motive for the alleged attempted murder of gangland lawyer Mahmoud Abbas, who was shot on July 26 outside his home in Greenacre, in the south-west of the city.

They claim evidence found on Mr Abbas’ electronic devices links his recent shooting to his 2019 kidnapping.

Last month, the Saturday Telegraph revealed that Abbas had been kidnapped, violently beaten and had his head and eyebrows shaved as a “warning” of gangland figures.

It is clear that those responsible took pictures of Mr Abbas’s shaved head and shared them in underworld circles after the attack.

Mr Abbas was shot outside his home in Greenacre on July 26 (pictured, paramedics treating Mr Abbas after the attack)

Police are aware of the incident despite Mr Abbas not making a formal report.

Detectives only had access to Mr Abbas’s laptop and phone for a short time before the lawyer won a legal challenge to get them back.

He told the Supreme Court earlier this week that he needed the devices for his business because they contain sensitive information about his customers.

However, agents said they were able to link the two attacks by analyzing the devices during that time.

“In June 2019, Mr. Abbas was kidnapped by a person or persons unknown to the police,” the police wrote in documents handed over to the court. Saturday Telegraph reports.

During the abduction, Mr. Abbas was violently assaulted and his eyebrows and head were shaved as a “warning”.

“Following the kidnapping, Mr Abbas refused to provide police with any statement or information to further the investigation of possible suspects or motives for the crime.

“Given the information received so far, police believe the kidnapping and shooting are related, due to Mr Abbas’s lack of assistance in both NSWPF investigations and the suspected involvement of similar parties.”

Detectives believe Mr Abbas’ clients may know who was behind the kidnapping and shooting.

Mr Abbas has had three surgeries and had his kidney removed since the shooting last month (pictured, Mr Abbas’ home in Greenacre)

Mr Abbas suffered serious injuries in the shooting but is expected to make a full recovery.

He has had three surgeries and had his kidney removed after a bullet was shot through it. Another bullet narrowly missed Mr. Abbas’s kneecap.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that Mr Abbas has any connection to criminal activity or wrongdoing.