High-ranking Illawarra bikie Emmanuel Vamvoukakis is facing up to 25 years behind bars after being refused bail in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.
Mr. Vamvoukakis’ $500,000 bail application was turned down by Magistrate Gabriel Fleming despite the contention he has “little or no record at all” and his mum putting up her home to pay for his bail.
“The seriousness of the matters suggest a risk to the community and thus I don’t accept the bail conditions meet the risks,” Magistrate Fleming told the court.
His lawyer applied for bail on his behalf, offering a security on his mum’s home, a curfew condition, and the surrender of his passport in addition to the $500,000.
The alleged Comanchero sergeant-at-arms is accused of running a criminal network on the South Coast involving money laundering and the importation, manufacture, and trafficking of illegal drugs.
Mr. Vamvoukakis is also alleged to have paid $50,000 to an associate in Greece in return for an import of a kilogram of cocaine to his Sanctuary Point home.
His home in Mount Keira was raided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on June 8, where a money counter, $10,000 in cash, and Comanchero colours were seized.
Vamvoukakis’ associate, 31-year-old Luke Andreou, was dealt a better fate and is now free on a $10,000 bond after being charged with money laundering, drug and firearms offences.
Vamvoukakis is one of the not-so-lucky perpetrators busted in Operation Ironside and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in August.
Source: ABC News, Daily Telegraph
