The Block host Scott Cam has admitted he wasn’t aware of 2022 contestant Omar Slaimankhel‘s ties with accused crime boss Mostafa Baluch.
It was revealed on August 22 that the rugby star-turned-tradie allegedly drove a vehicle containing the drug kingpin when he cut off his ankle monitor to flee the country in October 2021.
Mostafa was facing life in prison for allegedly importing $270 million worth of cocaine at the time.
Now, The Block‘s long-time host has confessed he had no clue about Omar’s involvement in the ordeal.
“I had no idea about this during filming at all,” Scott told the Daily Mail Australia.
“I can’t really talk about him due to what’s happened, and I wasn’t aware of it.”
Channel Nine Addressed Omar’s Crime Links
Scott’s comments come after Channel Nine told The Daily Telegraph that they were unaware that the ex-NRL player was present at the time of 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.
After ditching his ankle monitor, 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 the fugitive.
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 Daily Telegraph, 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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