Michael Ibrahim, the youngest brother of Sydney nightclub figure John Ibrahim, has been formally refused bail after being extradited from Dubai and facing a Sydney court over an alleged drug and tobacco smuggling syndicate.
The 39-year-old chose not to appear in Central Local Court on Monday and did not apply for bail, and it was formally refused by the magistrate.
His older brother Fadi, 43, was granted bail this afternoon.
Michael, Fadi and two other Australians, Mostafa Dib, 34 and Koder Jomaa, 47, were arrested in Dubai last month after a series of raids in Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands.
The raids allegedly uncovered more than 1.9 tonnes of narcotics that were to be imported to Australia, including 200 kilograms of MDMA, or ecstasy, and 80 kilograms of cocaine.
Police will also allege they discovered $740,000 and 15 million illegal cigarettes.
The four men have been charged with a range of offences including conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of drugs, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Fadi Ibrahim is accused of funding the alleged syndicate and dealing in the proceeds of crime in excess of $1 million.
Dib and Jomaa also declined to appear on Monday and were formally refused bail and remanded in custody.
'No complaints': Jomaa doing well, lawyer says
Outside court, lawyer for Jomaa Stephen Zahr said he was coping well despite having spent six weeks in a Dubai prison.
"He's doing well. No complaints," Mr Zahr said.
He said Jomaa would be defending the charges.
"It's going to be a long process, as you would appreciate, a long investigation, and the ball's just started rolling so we'll see where it goes."
John Ibrahim, the older brother of Michael and Fadi, has not been charged with any offences.
His son Daniel Ibrahim, also known as Daniel Taylor, is on bail after being charged with transferring $2.25 million to facilitate the importation of tobacco.
His girlfriend Sarah Budge is also on bail on an unrelated firearms charge.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said the extraditions would not have been possible without extensive cooperation and coordination from a number of different agencies in Australia and overseas.
"These operations have truly demonstrated the reach of Australian law enforcement around the world, and should serve as a message to organised crime syndicates that you are not untouchable," Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.
He said the case is the first successful extradition from the United Arab Emirates on behalf Australian authorities.
"The Dubai authorities have offered an unprecedented level of support to help facilitate these operations and ensure these extraditions have run smoothly," he said.
