Channel Nine has addressed The Block 2022 contestant Omar Slaimankhel‘s involvement in an accused drug kingpin’s attempt to flee Sydney after cutting off his ankle monitor.
On October 25, 2021, Omar allegedly drove a vehicle with Mostafa Baluch, an accused crime boss facing life in prison for allegedly importing $270 million worth of cocaine.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the pair were heading along Sydney’s northern beaches when Mostafa removed his tracking monitor in a bid to escape overseas.
The kingpin was located 16 days later in the boot of a Mercedes hidden in a shipping container. Omar was not charged over the matter, with police sources claiming he was only a “mate” of Mostafa’s.
Channel Nine revealed to the outlet that they were unaware of the ex-rugby player’s involvement in the incident before The Block began filming.
“All contestants undergo rigorous background checks before appearing on the show,” a spokesperson told the publication.
“We have no knowledge of this alleged incident.”
They also told the publication that Omar was unavailable to answer any questions regarding his relationship with Mostafa.
The suspected crime boss is behind bars on remand in Goulburn’s Supermax prison. He is currently awaiting trial for his alleged role in importing 900 kilos of cocaine into Australia.
Police Sources Claim They Were Surprised to See Omar Slaimankhel On The Block
According to the same publication, the sources that confirmed Omar’s link to Mostafa’s getaway were shocked to see the rugby player on-screen.
“He’s got some balls to show up on television and parade around,” one source said of The Block stint.
However, there is no assumption that the newly minted reality star was involved in Mostafa’s drug import operation.
Before his foray into reality TV, the former athlete made five first-grade appearances for the New Zealand Warriors in 2012.
He later moved to Japan to play rugby union for the Canon Eagles before returning to Australia in 2015. Then, he signed on to play for the Wyong Roos — a feeder club for the Sydney Roosters.
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