MELBOURNE, October 2026 — Homicide detectives are investigating the Reservoir shooting that killed Richmond man Elias Serevetas, 55, on Tuesday night. Police said he had links to organised crime.
Officers went to Mahoneys Road in Reservoir at about 11.30pm on Tuesday 27 October, Victoria Police said. Mr Serevetas died at the scene.
Police probe Reservoir shooting links
Police said Mr Serevetas had left a relative’s home to meet an unknown person. Then a gunman allegedly got out of a black Lexus SUV and opened fire.
“Simply, the male offender exited the driver’s seat of the Lexus SUV, ran towards the victim and immediately started firing shots at him.”
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Detective Inspector Leigh Howse, Homicide Squad
Detective Inspector Howse also said police knew the dead man. In addition, he said those links are central to the Reservoir shooting inquiry.
“The deceased was known to police and what is known is he had links into serious organised crime entities and networks and that is forming a focal point of our investigation.”
Detective Inspector Leigh Howse, Homicide Squad
Media reports have named Mr Serevetas as the father of George Serevetas. George reportedly has links to the network of Kazem “Kaz” Hamad.
Australia deported Hamad to Iraq in 2023, and he is serving a life sentence there, reports said. When asked about Hamad, Detective Inspector Howse said: “That individual, Kaz Hamad, will form part of inquiries.” However, police have not alleged any role for him.
Burnt-out cars found in Thomastown
About an hour later, police found a black Lexus with NSW plates burnt out in Robinvale Avenue, Thomastown. That is about 2km away.
Police said witnesses saw a white Toyota Corolla with a stolen number plate leaving the fire. Later, officers found it dumped in Dakota Court, Thomastown, and seized it.
Detectives now want to know whether the offenders used the Corolla after the Reservoir shooting. Several people reportedly left in that car.
So far, police have made no arrests. Still, they said the attack took planning and others know who was behind it.
“This crime would have involved a lot of planning and a lot of preparation. Although it involved only one offender who committed the actual act, others would have specific knowledge of who orchestrated and commissioned this incident.”
Detective Inspector Leigh Howse, Homicide Squad
Separately, Mr Serevetas had been due in court on Wednesday over driving offences, the ABC reported. After the Reservoir shooting, prosecutors withdrew that case.
The killing follows other violent crimes in Victoria, including a murder charge laid in Bacchus Marsh. Last year, Greek police also detained an Australian man over a Melbourne drive-by.
Police want CCTV or dashcam footage from Reservoir or Thomastown. Anyone with vision should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: news.com.au
