Australian authorities are offering a worldwide reward of $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and extradition of Anthony Pele, a suspected boss of the Coconut Cartel who is considered one of the country's most wanted men.
Pele, 25, has been a fugitive since 2023 and faces multiple charges, including those related to the alleged murder of Ahmed Al-Azzam. Al-Azzam was shot multiple times and killed while in his car in Greenacre, southwest Sydney, in July 2023. Two other men in a nearby vehicle were also shot at, allegedly mistaken for a hit team.
Police allege Pele fled Australia within weeks of the shooting and has since been sighted in various countries, including Samoa, Mexico, Albania, Thailand, and Vietnam. For the past year, he is believed to have been controlling the Coconut Cartel from abroad.
"The violence we have seen play out on our streets is horrific, even more so as innocent people have been caught up in it," said NSW Police Minister Yasmine Catley. "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. They couldn't be more wrong."
State Crime Command boss Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree stated that investigators are collaborating with law enforcement partners internationally to locate Pele. "We will continue pursuing every lead until he is apprehended," Greentree said, urging anyone with information about Pele's movements or associates since he left Australia to come forward.
Pele is also wanted for other offenses, including shooting with intent to murder, conspiracy to kidnap, and supplying commercial quantities of illegal drugs.
The reward is available to anyone who provides information in accordance with Australian law. Police hope the significant reward will prompt individuals within the criminal underworld to provide crucial details.
