Raïs Hamidou (Hamidou ben Ali) was an Algerian Admiral who served as a prominent historical figure in Algeria. He is primarily recognized for his role as a state-sanctioned pirate and slaver, during which he is credited with capturing up to 200 ships throughout his career.
In American literature, the figure is sometimes referred to by the name Amidon. Raïs Hamidou was one of the last powerful figures in Algeria before the country faced the French invasion.