Two brothers of Kings Cross nightclub figure John Ibrahim have been mentioned in court for their alleged role in an international drug-smuggling conspiracy nearly six weeks after a series of police raids across Sydney and Dubai.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Michael and Fadi Ibrahim, who were arrested in Dubai in August, arrived in Sydney on Sunday night after being extradited.
Australian Federal Police and their state counterparts arrested 18 people early last month during raids in Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Police are expected to allege Michael Ibrahim headed an international drugs and tobacco syndicate. Fadi Ibrahim allegedly played a role in financing the tobacco operation.
Michael, 39, has been charged with attempt to import a commercial quantity of drugs, and conspiracy to do the same.
His older brother Fadi, 43, is charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime, in excess of $1 million, and use of money intended as an "instrument of crime".
He is expected to apply for bail later in the day.
Underworld figure Mostafa Dib, 34, was extradited for his role in the alleged Ibrahim network, which police targeted through Operation Veyda.
Mr Dib is charged with attempting to important a commercial quantity of drugs, and conspiracy to do the same.
Australian man Koder Jomaa, a 47-year-old UAE resident arrested as part of the separate police operation Astatine, was also brought back to Australia, and is facing the same charges as Mr Dib.
Operation Astatine uncovered a network allegedly connected to the importation of 200kg of MDMA and 15 million illegal cigarettes and led to 10 arrests, including two officials who had worked for the Australian Border Force or Customs.
The matters of all four were briefly mentioned and adjourned in Central Local Court on Monday, and none appeared via audio-video link.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the extraditions were only possible through extensive co-operation between Australian and UAE authorities.
"The Dubai authorities have offered an unprecedented level of support to help facilitate these operations and ensure these extraditions have run smoothly," Mr Gaughan said.
"This marks the first successful extradition from the UAE on behalf Australian law enforcement."
NSW Police State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said "we are not naive enough to think our job is done".
"We will continue to target anyone who engages in criminal activities that impact on NSW, no matter where in the world they are based," he said.
Police in August raided the Dover Heights home of John Ibrahim, nicknamed the King of the Cross, but did not charge him with an offence.
His girlfriend, Sarah Budge, a 27-year-old model and nightclub owner, was charged with possessing a Glock pistol after police raided her home. His son, Daniel Taylor, 26, was charged with transferring $2.25 million to facilitate the illegal importation of tobacco. Both Ms Budge and Mr Taylor were released on bail.
with AAP
