Police put $250k bounty on one of Australia’s most wanted
Updated . First published at
A $250,000 bounty has been placed on alleged Coconut Cartel leader Anthony Pele, who remains one of Australia’s most wanted fugitives.
NSW Police put out the bounty in a bid for information that leads to the arrest and extradition of the 25-year-old, who is wanted over a string of alleged gangland murders and shootings.
Anthony Pele, aged 25, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant in relation to alleged serious and violent offences. Supplied
Pele has been on the run for more than three years after allegedly fleeing the country in August 2023.
Police suspect he moved offshore following the fatal shooting of Ahmed Al Azzam in Greenacre in July 2023, an incident detectives believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Pele has four outstanding arrest warrants for offences including murder, shooting with intent to murder, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap, and the commercial supply of prohibited drugs in NSW.
The reward comes as an escalating turf war between the Alameddine crime network and the Coconut Cartel has fuelled a violent spate of fatal shootings and firebombings this year alone.
Detectives, working alongside the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and international law enforcement, believe Pele is hiding overseas, though his location is unknown.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the reward was intended to bring the wanted fugitive to justice.
“The violence we have seen play out on our streets is horrific, even more so as innocent people have been caught up in it,” Catley said.
“Those allegedly orchestrating these sickening crimes think they can avoid justice by paying others to carry out violent acts, while they’re living large overseas.
Ahmed Al Azzam, 25, has died after he was shot in Greenacre in July 2023. Facebook
“They couldn’t be more wrong.”
State Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree warned that investigators were closing in on Pele’s support network.
“We know that fugitives rely on support networks, associates, and others who may have knowledge of their whereabouts.
“Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating Pele and facilitating his arrest,” Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
“Our investigators are working closely with law enforcement partners across Australia and overseas as part of a coordinated effort to find him.
“There is no limitation on our commitment to this investigation, and we will continue pursuing every lead until he is apprehended.
“If you know where Anthony Pele is, or if you have information about his movements, associates or whereabouts since leaving Australia, I urge you to come forward.”
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