Notorious crime boss Mahmoud "Brownie" Ahmad, 39, was shot dead outside a home in Sydney's southwest on Wednesday night.
Ahmad had been warned he was being targeted by a rival crime gang, with a rumoured $1 million bounty on his life, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The publication believes Ahmad had received several warnings from NSW Police, including a visit from officers just last week.
Ahmed had only returned to Australia after visiting Lebanon in early April, despite having knowledge of a potential contract for his death.
Police were called to Narelle Crescent in the southwest suburb of Greenacre around 9.30pm on Wednesday night after reports of multiple gunshots being fired.