An alleged member of the Coconut Cartel, Iziah Utai, who is wanted by NSW Police, has shared a video online showing him dancing with a pistol while reportedly overseas. Utai, 24, is believed to have been abroad since mid-2025 and is sought by authorities in connection with the death of an underworld figure in May 2025.
In the video posted on Saturday night, Utai is seen dancing to music with a pistol in one hand and a magazine of bullets in his mouth. At one point, he twirls the gun on his finger while smiling at the camera. He captioned the post with a Polynesian phrase used to express excitement and a coconut emoji. Social media posts indicate Utai has been traveling in Saudi Arabia and Albania.
Utai's social media activity comes months after his home in Guildford, western Sydney, was targeted in an arson attack in February 2026. Empty fuel cans and gas bottles were found at the vacant property.
His father, former rugby league player Matt Utai, was shot outside his home in Greenacre in February 2026. Police allege multiple shots were fired from a passing vehicle. Matt Utai was treated for injuries to his shoulder and leg and survived the attack.
Shortly after the shooting of Matt Utai, videos circulated showing gunmen, allegedly associated with the Alameddine crime network, firing shots at a home in St Clair, claimed to be the home of Iziah Utai's in-laws. Another video appeared to show an arson attack on a property identified as belonging to Iziah's mother.
Iziah Utai has a prior criminal history. He has previously been convicted of armed robbery, drug possession, and charges related to firearms. His previous sentences include an 18-month Community Corrections Order. He was first noticed by authorities in 2019.
The Coconut Cartel has been engaged in a dispute with the Alameddine syndicate over control of Sydney's drug trade, which has been marked by several violent incidents in recent months.
