A man has been arrested over the fatal, targeted shooting of an underworld figure in Sydney’s west.

Abdullah Bahsa, 38, was shot in the stomach at a unit block on Shale Street in Lidcombe just after 4am and has since died in hospital.

His friend, who was with him at the time, was assaulted and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Shale Street Lidcombe Crime scene Lidcombe - Man dies following shooting Lidcombe Monday, 16 March 2026 05:56:57 AM A man has died following a shooting in Sydneys west this morning. Just after 4am (Monday 16 March 2026), emergency services were called to a unit on Shale Street, Lidcombe, following reports of a shooting. Officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command attended and found a 38-year-old man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before b

Just after 4am emergency services were called to a unit block in Lidcombe following reports of gunshots. (Steven Siewert)

Witnesses reported hearing the shots being fired and then screaming.

“It was like this bang and I just thought it was my flatmate,” one person told 9News.

“Just a bunch of screaming and then someone got shot,” another said.

9News understands the gunmen arrived at the unit about 11pm yesterday and, after discovering Bahsa was not home, waited five hours for him to return.

The gunmen, dressed in black, then separated him and his friend before fleeing the scene in a getaway car.
A man has been shot dead in an early-morning attack inside a unit at Lidcombe in Sydney's west. Police said the 38-year-old victim had been shot multiple times.
Neighbours heard gunshots from inside the apartment. (Nine)

Auburn Area Commander Superintendent Robert Toynton said early investigations indicate the shooting is linked to organised crime.

“I can assure the community, this is a targeted attack. This is not a random attack,” Toynton said.

“From what we’ve discovered so far, there are strong links to organised crime.”

Bahsa was known to the police for his involvement in the underworld.

A man was arrested in Ryde about 12pm today and taken to Gladesville Police Station.

Police are speaking with him. No charges have been laid.

Shale Street Lidcombe Crime scene Lidcombe - Man dies following shooting Lidcombe Monday, 16 March 2026 05:56:57 AM A man has died following a shooting in Sydneys west this morning. Just after 4am (Monday 16 March 2026), emergency services were called to a unit on Shale Street, Lidcombe, following reports of a shooting. Officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command attended and found a 38-year-old man suffering gunshot wounds. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before b

Early investigations indicate the shooting is linked to organised crime, police said. (Steven Siewert)

Police believe several people were involved in the shooting, including two men described as heavy-set and wearing black clothing.

Bahsa’s injured friend is helping the police in their investigation.

“Finding this shooter is going to be a little more difficult than usual for these police officers,” Toynton said.

“That’s because on one side there are several high-rise apartment buildings and on the other side a construction site.”

Anyone who heard something suspicious between 11pm and 4am is urged to come forward to the police.

“Someone must have seen something, someone must have heard something,” Toynton said.