Australia’s Most Wanted Man Returns Home

Hells Angels leader and accused drug kingpin Angelo Pandeli has been deported from Dubai and is now back in Australia. Federal police have disclosed that a “complex investigation” is underway.

Pandeli, 52, is a prominent figure in Australia’s cocaine and methamphetamine importation networks and has risen to significant power within the Hells Angels.

Dubai authorities decided to deport Pandeli. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), their officers accompanied Pandeli out of the United Arab Emirates last Friday following an “independent decision” by Dubai.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the AFP noted, “Before the man was deported, we informed relevant state and Commonwealth agencies about his return, including the time and location.”

Upon arrival in Australia, Pandeli was escorted to a secure room by AFP officers, where a search warrant was executed, and his personal belongings were seized. The nature of these belongings and Pandeli’s current status remain unclear.

There are rumours within the underworld that Pandeli may have been released from custody, but the AFP has not confirmed this. “The AFP continues to monitor the individual,” the statement read. “Due to the complexity of the investigation and to maintain operational integrity, no further comments will be made at this time.”

Pandeli is considered one of Australia’s most significant organized crime figures, with connections to transnational drug trafficking and powerful international syndicates.