IDAHO FALLS – One of Australia’s most wanted fugitives, on the run for 35 years, has been found alive and well living in east Idaho.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Michael Hand vanished in 1980 amid rumors of CIA and organized crime involvement dealing with a Sydney bank.
Sydney author Peter Butt found Hand, 73, living under the name Michael Jon Fuller residing in Idaho Falls.
On Sunday night, the Nine Network program 60 Minutes Australia, using information provided by Butt, filmed Hand emerging from the Smith’s grocery store on Woodruff Avenue.
According to the Morning Herald, Hand manufactures tactical weapons for US Special Forces, special operations groups and hunters. He disappeared in June 1980 after his partner, Australian-born lawyer Frank Nugan, then 37, was found dead beside a .30-calibre rifle in his Mercedes-Benz outside Lithgow, Australia.
The bank the two started collapsed with debts in excess of $50 million and a subsequent royal commission found evidence of money-laundering, illegal tax avoidance schemes and widespread violations of banking laws.
Over the years, Hand allegedly became involved in drug-dealing, gun-running, organized crime and clandestine intelligence activities, 60 Minutes reports.
Hand said nothing as he climbed into his car and refused a request for an interview.
Butt said he would inform the Australian Federal Police and the NSW Police of Hand’s new identity and whereabouts.
Click here to watch as 60 Minutes Australia confronts Hand outside Smith’s grocery store.
Click here to read more about Hand’s alleged criminal past.
The post International fugitive confronted at Idaho Falls grocery store appeared first on East Idaho News.