A convicted armed robber, once described as Australia's most wanted man, has removed his electronic monitoring bracelet and is on the run.

Detectives from the Rapid Apprehension Squad are urgently searching for 57-year-old Brett Maston.

He was last seen in the Mount Lawley area about 5.50am this morning.

Maston has served jail time for armed robbery, weapons charges and unlawful possession of cash.

In June 2023 he was given an extra three-and-a-half years in jail for depriving the liberty of another inmate's de facto wife, and arranging for drugs to be smuggled into prison.

At the time, the court heard Maston arranged for the woman to be taken by two men in an attempt to force her de facto husband to tell him the location of hidden drugs and money.

Repeat escapee

Maston has twice escaped from custody, including in 1995 when he was freed from Fremantle Hospital by his then-girlfriend who was armed with a shotgun.

He was tattooed with the words 'Australia's most wanted' in large letters across his back.

Maston is currently facing several charges for allegedly carrying a firearm, cash and stolen property.

He was due back in court in early July.

Maston is described as approximately 186 centimetres tall, with a solid build, short brown hair and brown eyes.

Police have urged anyone who sees Maston not to approach him and to contact police immediately on 131 444.

Maston returned to WA in April 2012 after being deported from the Philippines on an immigration matter.