One of the state's most wanted men has handed himself in to police and been charged with the murder of senior Hells Angels bikie Zeljko "Steve" Mitrovic later on Wednesday afternoon.
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After weeks of negotiations between homicide squad police and his lawyers, ex-bikie Michael Basanovic was escorted into custody at the Rocks police station by his legal team about 2pm.
It is understood the planned surrender had been delayed from Wednesday morning due to his lawyers' legal commitments.
In a statement, police said detectives from Strike Force Lambourn, set up to investigate Mr Mitrovic's killing, had placed Mr Basanovic, 47, under arrest this afternoon.
He is being charged with murder and reckless grievous bodily harm in company, police said.
Mr Basanovic has been in hiding since the January killing, in which Mr Mitrovic was gunned down at his transport business in Wetherill Park.
His surrender to police comes four days after his 21-year-old-son, Wade Basanovic, returned to Australia from Bali also knowing he would be arrested.
Homicide Squad sources have previously told the Herald that Michael Basanovic's divided loyalties may have led to the January stand-off with Mitrovic. He was originally a Bandidos member, before patching over to the Rebels, and then finally to the Angels.
But before the fatal altercation earlier this year, Mr Basanovic had been kicked out of the Hells Angels, having incurred the wrath of senior bikies as questions surfaced about his activities and subsequent loyalties.
"There's nothing worse than an ex-member," acting Homicide Squad boss, Detective Inspector Mick Sheehy, said last week.
Police allege Mr Basanovic was among a group of about seven people they have now identified who arrived at Mr Mitrovic's Dynamic Transport business, with the senior club member intending to pull Mr Basanovic into line.
An initial heated argument is understood to have taken place - caught on CCTV at the Mitrovic business - before a smaller group, including Mr Basanovic, followed Mr Mitrovic into his office.
Minutes later, one allegedly pulled a gun and shot Mr Mitrovic dead.
A co-worker caught in the crossfire was shot in the arm.
On Saturday, the Basanovics' barrister, John Korn, said he had worked tirelessly with the NSW Crime Commission and Homicide Squad to negotiate the safe arrest of both men.
"Obviously, the cops had a real interest in sorting this all out, but they have allowed it to unfold in an appropriate way," Mr Korn said. "I'll be bringing my client in next week although for safety reasons, it's probably best I don't divulge where that's due to take place. We don't need a potential ambush or a gun fight. I certainly don't intend to get shot."
