Police say fugitive Jim Soukoulis could be hiding ‘anywhere’ in Australia

A fugitive wanted by police over an audacious drug import plot could be using fake documents to hide in your suburb.

Jim Soukoulis, 54, was allegedly involved in a plot to fly 255kg of methamphetamine into Australia from California in a light plane.

A fugitive wanted over a plot to fly 255kg of methamphetamine to Australia from California in a light plane is believed to be using false identity documents to evade capture.

Jim Soukoulis, 55, vanished from South Melbourne in November 2019 while on bail.

It has now been one year since an arrest warrant for his arrest was issued and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is leading the manhunt for Soukoulis.

AFP detective Superintendent Geoffrey Turner said it was suspected he may have access to false identity documents.

“We are urging the community to look closely at the photographs of this man’s face and his tattoos.

“He could be hiding anywhere in Australia – in your suburb, in your neighbourhood or next door.

“Do you have a new neighbour, someone you have met or known only recently who keeps to themselves (not withstanding COVID-19 restrictions), or reveals very little anything about himself?”

Soukoulis was allegedly involved in a plot to fly 255kg of methamphetamine into Australia.

Soukoulis vanished from South Melbourne in November 2019 while on bail..

Soukoulis is accused of planning to buy a light aircraft in the United States, strip out its seats and stuff it full of ice.

It was to be flown on a 13,000km island-hopping route to Australia, but the drugs were seized by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. A qualified pilot and an accountant were also arrested over the alleged conspiracy.

The AFP also seized $2.4m in cash in Mildura as part of the international probe.

An Adelaide home belonging to the fugitive’s mother was listed as surety on his bail application shortly before Soukoulis vanished.

“The fact this man has yet to show up to face these charges has put his mother’s home at risk of being forfeited by the court,” Superintendent Turner said.

He urged anybody with information to come forward.

The light plane.

“We know people can change their appearance – their hair or grow a beard to try to mask their appearance when aiming to evade law enforcement,” Superintendent Turner said.

“We hope by drawing attention to his distinctive tattoos, this will help people in the community identify him and his whereabouts.

“He has a Capricorn star sign on his left chest, a Taurus bull on his right chest and Greek mythology figure Medusa on his back.”

Anyone with information about Soukoulis should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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