An alleged top-ranking Comanchero gang member is suing the publisher of The Daily Telegraph, claiming articles linking him to the murder of a fellow bikie embarrassed him and injured his reputation.

Ali Bazzi has launched defamation proceedings against Nationwide News and journalist Emma Partridge in the Federal Court over stories that reported he met the men who were later charged with the murder of ex-Comanchero boss Mick Hawi prior to his shooting.

Ali Bazzi (right) with Comanchero boss Mark Buddle in the Mediterranean. Buddle tasked Bazzi with taking charge of the gang in Australia.

The Daily Telegraph alleged that Mr Bazzi is a close confidante of the Comancheros national president Mark Buddle, who fled to Europe in 2016 and is a suspect in several police investigations.

Mr Hawi was gunned down outside a Rockdale gym in February last year and three men associated with the Lone Wolf bikie gang face charges relating to the murder.