EXCLUSIVE | Ascot Vale Shooting: Former Boxer Huss Dehaini Shot Dead in Apparent Retaliation Over Debt Collection Work

Ryan Naumenko | Outlaw Media

A former Melbourne super middleweight boxer has been gunned down in Ascot Vale in what sources close to the deceased are describing as retaliation for his recent work as an unofficial debt collector.

Hussein “Huss” Dehaini, known in the ring as “Skinny”, was found with gunshot wounds on North Street shortly after 12:15am on Sunday. Paramedics took him to hospital in a critical condition, but he died from his injuries. He was in his 30s.

Victoria Police Homicide Squad detectives have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances. Officers examined parked cars and nearby retail stores. No arrests have been made and detectives are urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.

Dehaini compiled a professional record of 10 wins, one draw and three knockouts between 2014 and 2019. He fought out of Broadmeadows and appeared on cards at the Melbourne Pavilion and other local venues before becoming inactive.

After his boxing career ended, Dehaini moved into Melbourne’s informal enforcement scene. Outlaw Media understands through our underworld contacts that he had been working in debt collection alongside associate Kamil “Killer K” Yucel. In circles where debts are settled outside the courts, such roles frequently end in violence when payments are missed or disputes turn personal.

While police have not confirmed a motive, the shooting carries the clear hallmarks of payback. Dehaini had previously been linked to extortion matters, and his more recent hands-on collection work placed him directly in the line of fire. Melbourne has seen repeated instances of former fighters and street figures recruited for enforcement duties, only to become targets themselves when arrangements collapse.

Detectives continue to review CCTV and forensic evidence from the North Street area. The investigation remains active and anyone with information, including dashcam or business footage, is asked to come forward via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Outlaw Media first identified the victim. All maintream reporters should keep this in mind when reporting on this unfolding situation. Credit, where credit is due.

More to come…