Algiers

Two years after escaping France, Pepe le Moko has settled in the Casbah of Algiers, living as a notorious jewel thief who remains elusive to the authorities. He commands respect and attention from locals, while staying one step ahead of the French police.

Commissioner Janvier leads a raid on the Casbah to capture Pepe. Regis, a jealous thief, directs the detectives to Grandpere's house, guiding them through the maze of the native quarter.

Regis goes to Ines to warn Pepe that the police are arriving. The warning sets off a chain of plans that will pull Pepe deeper into danger as the night unfolds.

Ines arrives at Grandpere's house to warn Pepe, and he quickly senses that Regis may have betrayed him by informing the police. The tense moment foreshadows the danger about to erupt.

When the police arrive, Pepe hides in a basement at Grandpere's house. A shooting breaks out, and he manages a perilous escape, though he is wounded in the chaos.

Inspector Slimane brings Gaby, a French tourist, to his residence during the turmoil, where Pepe also arrives. Slimane admires Pepe and notes the date of his arrest on the wall, signaling the plan to capture him.

The next day, Regis meets Chief Inspector Louvain and schemes to have Pepe's ally Pierrot arrested in order to draw Pepe out of hiding. His plan hinges on manipulating Pierrot's fate to corner Pepe.

Regis delivers a letter to Pierrot, supposedly written by his mother, claiming she is ill. The ruse is intended to pressure Pierrot and tighten the net around Pepe.

Gaby contemplates her engagement to Giraux while still drawn to Pepe. During a meal, Slimane tells her about Pepe's love of jewelry and arranges for her to see Pepe again.

That night, Pepe is informed that Pierrot has left Algiers. He goes to the Casbah to confront Regis about Pierrot's disappearance and its implications for Pepe.

Pepe reunites with Gaby at the Casbah, and they reminisce about their time in France. Despite Gaby's engagement, they plan to meet again the following day.

The next day, Pierrot's funeral is held outside the Casbah, angering Pepe. Ines lies that Gaby is waiting for him at his residence, helping him avoid a trap, and he thanks her for the deception.

Gaby arrives and Pepe and she discuss their fate; Slimane continues to manipulate Giraux, trying to keep Gaby away. He later lies to Gaby that Pepe has been killed, worsening the trap.

Before Pepe leaves to see Gaby at her hotel, L'Arbi informs him that Gaby and Giraux are departing Algeria by steamship that afternoon. The revelation sets up a final, desperate chase.

Pepe buys a steamship ticket and boards, hoping to see Gaby, but Slimane's detectives arrest him onboard. On the docks, he rushes toward the ship, but a shot ends his escape.

One of Slimane's men shoots Pepe as he tries to reach the ship. Slimane apologizes for the mistake, but Pepe silentl y replies, 'And so I have, my friend.'