Two individuals in Australia are now facing charges from law enforcement in connection with a purported conspiracy to harm four members of the renowned rap group, OneFour.
Identified as Brandon Maseuli and Yousef Rima in media accounts, these individuals are linked to an international criminal network with roots tracing back to Lebanon, according to BBC reports.
Authorities have disclosed that the collective is known for accepting assignments involving heinous acts, including but not limited to murders and abductions.
Taken into custody in Sydney on Thursday, Maseuli, aged 26, and Rima, aged 20, now face a multitude of charges.
Among the charges brought against them are conspiracy to murder, kidnapping, orchestrating a criminal syndicate, and a range of drug and robbery-related violations.
Authorities have also applied for an arrest warrant for a 22-year-old man who is believed to be offshore.
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Police said Maseuli and Rima had conspired to murder “four high-profile men from Sydney’s northwest on behalf of another network”.
Their targets have been identified as four members of the drill rap group OneFour – Jerome “J Emz” Misa, Pio “YP” Misa, Spencer “Spenny” Magalogo and Dahcell “Celly” Ramos. It is unclear why the fifth member, Salec “Lekks” Su’a, was not targeted.
The plot against the OneFour members is believed to have been sparked by a conflict between the rappers and the group that allegedly hired the criminal syndicate’s Sydney cell, the Sydney Morning Herald said, citing police authorities.
The purported conspiracy came to light during an expansive probe into the Sydney cell, a group that both Maseuli and Rima are affiliated with. Authorities additionally claim connections to various kidnappings, notably one involving over 722kg (1,600 pounds) of cocaine.
On Thursday, both individuals made a court appearance at the Liverpool Local Court, where their request for bail was denied.
Australia’s well-known rap ensemble, OneFour, has encountered law enforcement on multiple occasions. The group’s music, characterized by dark themes and violent lyrics, is accused by the police of having an incendiary impact.
OneFour faced the cancellation of their 2019 national tour as a result of police raising significant “safety concerns.”