NSW Police have issued a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Anthony Pele, the alleged leader of a criminal group known as the Coconut Cartel. Pele, 25, is wanted for a series of serious charges, including murder, conspiracy to kidnap, and the supply of prohibited drugs in New South Wales. The cartel has been linked to a series of tit-for-tat murders and firebombings.
The July 2023 Shooting in Greenacre
Police allege that Pele fled Australia in August 2023, one month after the fatal shooting of Ahmad al-Azzam. On July 23, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Mr. al-Azzam was sitting in his vehicle in an industrial area in Greenacre when a gunman opened fire. Mr. al-Azzam sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died in the hospital one week later. Investigators believe the attack was a case of mistaken identity, and that the intended target was a member of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Did You Know? Since leaving Australia, the suspect has posted images on social media from Albania, including photos of himself posing with luxury vehicles and firearms. A recent social media post shows a person, with a blurred face, standing on a jetty near Palase Beach on the Albanian Green Coast.
Ongoing International Manhunt
Detectives from the State Crime Command are working in coordination with the Australian Federal Police and overseas law enforcement agencies to locate Pele. Police Minister Yasmin Catley characterized the recent wave of street violence associated with organized crime as “sickening” and “horrific,” noting that innocent bystanders have been caught in the crossfire. Ms. Catley stated that those who orchestrate such crimes from abroad cannot avoid justice by paying others to commit violent acts. Addressing the fugitive’s belief that he can evade capture, she declared, “They couldn’t be more wrong.” Ms. Catley added that NSW Police were “doing everything they can” to bring Pele to justice.
Commitment to Apprehension
State Crime Commander Brett Greentree stated that there is “no limitation” to the scope of the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Pele’s current whereabouts, associates, or movements since he left Australia to come forward. Officials maintain that they will continue to pursue every available lead until the fugitive is apprehended. As Commander Greentree emphasized, “We will continue pursuing every lead until he is apprehended.”
Police seek Anthony Pele over murder and drug supply
Why is Anthony Pele wanted by police?
Pele is wanted for questioning regarding several serious offenses, including murder, shooting with intent to murder, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap, and the supply of prohibited drugs in NSW.
What happened in Greenacre on July 23, 2023?
Ahmad al-Azzam was shot multiple times while sitting in his car in an industrial area at 2:00 a.m. Police believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity and that the intended target was an affiliate of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
What is the reward for information on Pele?
NSW Police have announced a $250,000 worldwide reward for information that leads to the arrest of Anthony Pele.
