Updated June 11, 2026 — 12:34pm,first published June 11, 2026 — 7:58amNotorious Sydney gang rapist Mohammed Skaf has been arrested and charged with directing a large-scale drug trafficking syndicate, two years after serving out a two-decade prison sentence for a series of horrific attacks on schoolgirls.Detectives investigating large-scale drug supply in Sydney’s south-west on Wednesday night arrested Skaf, 42, who was hospitalised after an alleged struggle with police.Mohammed Skaf was arrested at Greenacre on Wednesday night.NSW PoliceSkaf was charged with 24 offences, including supplying prohibited drugs of varying quantities, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and directing activities of a criminal group. During searches of a vhecile, Skaf’s Greenacre home, and a nearby park, police allegedly seized almost $250,000 cash, cocaine, MDMA and several mobile phones.A man and woman allegedly working with Skaf, John Harvard – who is also known as Ahmed Warwar – and Winter Egitmeglu, were also arrested on Wednesday night. Harvard and Egitmeglu, who detectives allege worked as runners for Skaf, were charged after simultaneous raids of their respective Bankstown and Newington homes just before midnight on Wednesday. Drugs and weapons, including a baton and ballistic vest, were allegedly seized at the properties.Skaf was remanded in custody until Friday, when he is expected to apply for bail. Skaf’s lawyer, Mohamad Sakr, declined to comment on the charges against the 42-year-old, who did not appear in court.Mohammed Skaf, aged 17.NSW Police Mohammed Skaf (centre) was released on parole from the Long Bay prison in 2021 after serving more than 20 years of a 23-year sentence for gang rapes.Dan Himbrechts/AAPSkaf, then 17, his brother Bilal and at least 14 other men raped at least six schoolgirls over several weeks in 2000. They lured girls from locations such as shopping centres and train stations and then repeatedly forced them to perform sex acts on the men.He was released from Long Bay prison in October 2021, after almost 21 years behind bars, under strict parole conditions allowing his release. His parole order applied until the expiration of his sentence in January 2024.Skaf returned to the attention of police after the second iteration of Strike Force Earley was established in March to investigate the large-scale supply of cocaine and other illicit drugs throughout south-west Sydney.“We believe, and we’re going to allege, that he’s the principal,” Detective Chief Inspector Jeffrey Walsh said.“He directed everybody.”Investigations into the syndicate are ongoing, Walsh said.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.Riley Walter is a crime reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.Perry Duffin is a crime reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners