Operation Ironside: Accused drug trafficker, George Katsambas, aware AN0M app was ‘bad’

·

AN0M messages sent in the days before the nationwide Operation Ironside sting showed an increasing awareness the app was “bad,” a court has heard.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court was told during a bail application for George Katsambas – a NSW man arrested on a South Australian warrant – that messages linked him to the bust, The Advertiser reports.

Mr Katsambas, 48, was arrested on unrelated charges at Sydney Airport on May 27, having been granted an exemption to fly to Greece for three weeks for unspecified family reasons.

The flight was scheduled only days after several drivers were arrested in Perth in possession of large quantities of drugs that prosecutors allege was linked to Mr Katsambas.

George Katsambas.

According to The Advertiser, a Commonwealth prosecutor told the court that messages allegedly sent by Mr Katsambas showed an intention to remain out of Australia.

Prosecutors also allege that later in the conversation, Mr Katsambas wrote: “Bro, someone told me today that AN0M is bad.”

Mr Katsambas was released on bail by a NSW Supreme Court judge only to be arrested two weeks later as part of the nationwide Ironside arrests in June this year.

He is accused of trafficking 7kg of methamphetamine marked with the letter “H” to Western Australia, The Advertiser reports.

George Katsambas being led into the Adelaide Magistrates Court where he was facing drug trafficking related charges in February, 2004.

Magistrate John Wells heard that prosecutors would allege Mr Katsambas and his co-accused exchanged more than 8000 messages in 78 days, averaging just more than 100 a day.

Michael Abbott QC, for Mr Katsambas, said the evidence linking the messages to his client was tenuous at best.

“I say that there is an incorrect attribution of this material to Mr Katsambas and there is no suggestion he ever had an AN0M phone in his possession,” Mr Abbott said, according to The Advertiser.

Mr Wells granted Mr Katsambas home-detention bail to live with a relative in Adelaide provided a cash surety of $5000 was lodged with the court.

Source: The Advertiser.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

A postcard brought to life: Billy Cotsis explores the soul of Patmos

There is something about the freedom of being out on the Aegean. One can visit small islands, more populated islands, deserted beaches or simply go fishing.

From tragedy to triumph: Christina Vithoulkas becomes Australia’s first female para drifter

Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways.

Program of the 11th International Summer University in Boston announced

The 11th International Summer University "Greek Language, Culture and Media" will take place from May 24-29 in Boston.

Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia hold student literary competition

The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced its annual Student Literary Competition, titled “From Greece to the World”.

Athens university develops first tool to measure TikTok addiction

A research team from the University of Athens has created the world’s first tool specifically designed to assess addiction to TikTok.

You May Also Like

PM rips into ‘hideous’ suggestion elderly deaths preferable to lockdown

PM Scott Morrison has responded to news the Aged Care Regulator knew of the COVID outbreak at St Basils Fawkner four days earlier.

What is the influence of Greek on the English language?

This International Greek Language Day, we take a look at the Greek language and the important influence it's had on the English language.

Turkish Defence Minister accuses Greece of trying to escalate tensions

Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar accused Greece of undermining talks on confidence-building measures between the two Aegean countries.