Operation Ironside accused and owner of 19 properties Luke Kokotis granted home detention bail
A property magnate and accused drug kingpin arrested during Operation Ironside has been bailed to his million-dollar mansion – one of 19 properties he owns. See them here.
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A property magnate and accused drug kingpin has been released on bail to his $1m home in the southern suburbs.
Luke Kokotis, 45, has been in custody since his arrest as part of Operation Ironside resolution day on June 7, when 40 people were arrested in suburban raids.
He is charged with one count of trafficking 1kg of methamphetamine at Glenelg East on May 13 this year.
As a result of the charge, Mr Kokotis’ $7.7m real estate empire, which includes his $1m Onkaparinga Hills home, was frozen by the courts.
On Wednesday, Mr Kokotis asked the Supreme Court to review an earlier decision to refuse him home-detention bail.
Anthony Allen QC, for Mr Kokotis, told Justice Laura Stein a compromise had been reached with the Director of Public Prosecutions that would result in his client being released back into the community.
The court heard Mr Kokotis would be subject to “relatively severe restrictions” on his use of mobile phones and internet.
As part of the “onerous” conditions of his release, Mr Kokotis is allowed only to have an analog mobile phone, rather than an internet-enabled smartphone.
A relative also agreed to lodge $100,000 in the Supreme Court registry to ensure the release.
However, a prosecutor told the court the agreement by the DPP to compromise with Mr Allen had one important caveat.
“I must just say for the purposes of the transcript that the agreement we have reached today is on the basis of his current charge only,” the prosecutor said.
“That position may change if and when further charges are laid.”
Mr Kokotis remained expressionless as he was told he would be released as soon as the money was lodged.
During an August bail application in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Magistrate Jonathon Wells heard allegations that Mr Kokotis’ involvement in the illicit drug trade went deeper than one transaction.
“The Crown case is that Mr Kokotis is a principal member of a drug syndicate,” a prosecutor said. “The affidavits allude to some 68 individual instances of high-level offending during the review of the communications.
“In essence, Mr Kokotis is alleged to be a part of what can be described as one of the most serious examples of drug trafficking in this state.”
Mr Kokotis’ $7.7m property empire was frozen by the Supreme Court as part of mass asset restraint applications.
You can explore all $30m of property, cars, jewellery and other assets restrained by the courts in this interactive.
Court documents revealed 19 properties, ranging from businesses to family homes and dirt blocks, have been restrained by the courts pending the outcome of the charges against Mr Kokotis.
Additionally, nine cars, including a Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini, two Harley Davidsons, $456,000 held in 14 bank accounts, a boat and a jetski were frozen by the courts.
Mr Kokotis is linked to 11 companies which operate businesses including holiday home rentals.
There are no allegations that people living in homes owned by Mr Kokotis are in any way linked or accused of criminal offending.
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