Fadi and Michael Ibrahim’s ‘money collector’ allegedly punished for stealing $30K

FADI and Michael Ibrahim’s “money handler” had his head shaved and had his eyebrows plucked as punishment after he allegedly stole $30,000 from the family, a court has heard.

FADI and Michael Ibrahim’s “money handler” had his head shaved and had his eyebrows plucked as punishment after he allegedly stole $30,000 from the notorious crime family, a court has heard.

Jaron Chester, 34, was arrested during a series of raids connected to one of Australia’s biggest organised crime busts and police allege he withdrew and transferred money to disguise the activities of Michael and Fadi Ibrahim.

“[The accused] performed the duties of a money collector and handler for the Ibrahims,” the prosecutor told Central Local Court today.

Fadi Ibrahim.

Michael Ibrahim.

During Chester’s application for bail, the court heard how he allegedly withdrew large sums of cash and transferred money at several Commonwealth Bank branches in order to move money between brothers Michael and Fadi Ibrahim to “disguise” their involvement in a criminal syndicate.

After hearing what she believed was a “strong” Crown case, Magistrate Clare Farnan refused Chester bail.

The court heard Chester was in constant contact with Fadi and Michael Ibrahim discussing the transfer of money.

In one conversation Michael Ibrahim allegedly said to Chester, “Be careful as you will get pulled over left, right and centre”.

Police will allege Fadi Ibrahim was captured on CCTV with Chester at the Commonwealth Bank’s Rose Bay branch where $300,000 was transferred into Fadi’s account.

In another instance, police allege Fadi Ibrahim transferred Chester large sums on three occasions — to the value of $650,000.

Chester’s barrister Charles Waterstreet said his client was humiliated when his eyebrows were plucked and “taken as trophies” by members of the alleged syndicate.

“When he dared to defraud the Ibrahims of $30,000 what was metered out to him was not just a physical punishment but a humiliation,” Mr Waterstreet told the court.

He said his client acted under duress and had “very little choice”.

“He was a man under the orders of the family and when he breached those orders he was punished,” he said.

Chester lives at home with his parents in Rose Bay and works in the luxury travel industry.