Former bikie Vince Focarelli appears as spokesman for sharia-compliant cryptocurrency -
linkHE HAS survived six assassination attempts as head of the Comanchero and fled to Malaysia earlier to escape crime-related deportation from Australia, but Vince Focarelli has found himself a new calling.
The devoted Islam convert, who was a wanted man on the streets of Adelaide before fleeing to Italy in March 2017, has been appointed as an “ambassador” and a “chairman” for a “sharia-compliant cryptocurrency” business.
In a visually striking YouTube video advert for Bayan Token, in which he is described as a “former gang leader” by the online company, he can be seen punching animated words and describing how the idea will have a positive impact on the planet.
“I believe that when you do good, goodness will come back to you,” he says in the three-minute clip.
“However, Allah has decreed that good deeds should be done with good intentions.”
He goes on to describe how Bayan Token is a “sharia-compliant Utility Crypto Token” which funds beneficial projects for millions and are in line with Islamic teachings.
On its website, Bayan Token is open about the former underworld figure’s volatile past.
“There was a time, whenever Vince Focarelli’s name was mentioned, it struck fear and hatred in the people’s heart, especially among the residents of Adelaide,” it states.
“That is not the case anymore. The former leader of the notorious gang ‘Comanchero’, he is now a transformed and completely different person after embracing Islam.
“Vince — now Imran Abdul Salam — is an active social activist, where he frequently gives motivational and inspirational talk about his journey to Islam.
“He is also actively involved in several humanitarian works such as organising a food convoy for the Yemeni refugees.”
The company describes how he used to own and run a Halal Italian restaurant, La Fig Cucina in Adelaide, and how he wishes to expand its presence around the world.
In the video advert, Mr Focarelli describes how the company aims to improve the lives of millions of people living across South-East Asia.
“The proceeds from Bayan Token crowd sale will fund several projects that will ensure the integrity of Bayan token as a valuable token,” the new company’s website states.
“Bayan Token is not only a utility token but it is also backed by real-life, profitable projects that will support the whole ecosystem.”
These projects include the expansion of 100 to 1000 affordable halal stores across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. The company claims its stores will lower the cost of living for millions of Muslims living throughout South-East Asia.
Another project is the commercialisation and production of the natural Basella alba leaf extract, which it claims lowers the level of cholesterol in humans and most animals — without the muscle and liver damage, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure caused by synthetic treatments.
Mr Focarelli fled to Italy — where he lived until his arrival when he was 12 years old — in March, 2017, pre-empting efforts from immigration authorities to cancel his visa and deport him.
The high-profile former underworld leader said he wanted to leave on his own volition before being forcibly deported.
“If I stick around and wait for them, then there’s a chance I could be taken to a detention centre,” he told Nine News.
“Once I settle down, my wife and daughter will come along.”
However, he moved to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia shortly after landing in Italy.
The Advertiser reported that he flew his mother out to be by his side. However, he is understood to have been unable to bring his wife and daughter over to Malaysia full time.
After appointing Mr Focarelli as an ambassador, a spokesman for Bayan Token said the former gang leader “shares the same aspirations and noble intentions of spreading good to the wider mass”.
“An avid preacher of kindness and goodness himself, he is very excited and looking forward to do greater good through the sharia compliant Bayan Token,” he said.