Australia’s most wanted person, as of the information provided by many credible information sources like Wikipedia, is Joseph Hakan Ayik, also known as Hakan Reis. He is wanted for several reasons, including his alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking and his significant role in the criminal underworld.
Here’s why he is considered Australia’s most wanted person:
- Drug Trafficking: Joseph Hakan Ayik is alleged to be one of the largest drug dealers in the world, with an estimated net worth of 1.2 billion dollars. He is believed to have played a key role in drug importations valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. His drug trafficking activities are associated with significant harm to communities, particularly in Australia.
- Criminal Empire: Ayik is known to have operated a large criminal empire, which included ownership of karaoke bars and brothels in Sydney and Canberra. He reportedly engaged in criminal activities with the Comanchero Motorcycle Club and had connections with corrupt customs officials and jail officers in Australia and Tonga.
- Global Criminal Network: He is reported to have collaborated with the Sam Gor Chinese Triad and planned to set up drug manufacturing operations in India, indicating his involvement in a global criminal network.
- Introduction of Encrypted Communications: Ayik played a role in introducing encrypted communications platforms to the criminal world, including the distribution of Phantom Secure, a platform that was taken down by law enforcement. He later unwittingly facilitated the ANOM sting operation, which targeted criminals using an encrypted messaging app with a backdoor for law enforcement.
- Fugitive Status: Despite the ANOM operation leading to the arrest of many criminals, Ayik managed to avoid capture. He is believed to be residing in Turkey, where he operates a hotel in Istanbul, and has reportedly altered his appearance through plastic surgery. He is considered a fugitive from justice.
- Indictment: Ayik has been indicted by the FBI for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy, and if convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Due to his alleged criminal activities, significant influence in the criminal world, and involvement in the ANOM operation, Joseph Hakan Ayik is considered a high-priority target for law enforcement agencies, making him Australia’s most wanted person.
Others on the Australian police’s most wanted list are Basheerruddin Mohammed, Brady Hamilton, James Dalamangas, and Mohamad Maksoud.