Indonesian Authorities Arrest and Deport Former Hells Angels Leader Found Hiding in Jet Lavatory at Bali Airport
"He was discovered hiding in the aircraft’s lavatory, traveling under a Brazilian passport."
Indonesian authorities have arrested and deported a 55-year-old Australian man, identified by Australian media as former Hells Angels leader Angelo Pandeli, after he was found hiding in the lavatory of a private jet at Bali’s Denpasar airport.
Arrest and Discovery
On June 6, 2026, Indonesian immigration officials arrested Pandeli as he attempted to depart on a private jet bound for Maputo, Mozambique. According to officials, Pandeli was discovered hiding in the aircraft’s lavatory. He was traveling under a Brazilian passport bearing the name "GAM."
Immigration officials became suspicious and ordered the pilot, who had already taxied the aircraft onto the runway, to return to the VIP Terminal. The aircraft also carried three other passengers of Brazilian, Italian, and Portuguese nationality, along with three crew members.
Authorities determined that the Brazilian passport had no record of entry into Indonesia and that Pandeli did not possess a valid residence permit or stay permit.
Deportation and Legal Status
Indonesian officials stated that Pandeli was deported to Adelaide, South Australia, following a request from the Australian Embassy. He has been banned from entering Indonesia for life.
Indonesian immigration authorities cited an Interpol notice describing Pandeli as "an influential figure in transnational organized crime" and a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) stated that Pandeli currently faces no charges in Australia and that there is no allegation of wrongdoing against him.
Background and Allegations
Pandeli left Australia in 2018, prior to police executing a search warrant at his Sydney home as part of an investigation into a drug plot valued at $250 million. He was never charged in connection with that investigation.
In 2021, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) alleged that Pandeli was a member of the "Aussie Cartel," a group accused of involvement in large-scale drug importations into Australia. Pandeli has denied these allegations.
In 2024, Pandeli was deported from Dubai to Australia but faced no charges upon arrival. His whereabouts in the two years following that deportation were not publicly known.
Context
The arrest of Pandeli occurred shortly after the arrest of two Russian nationals in Bali on suspicion of drug smuggling. Indonesia is known for its stringent anti-drug laws, which include the death penalty for traffickers. The country has maintained a moratorium on executions for several years.