Moment party ended for Ibrahims in Dubai’s playboy paradise

IBRAHIM brothers Fadi and Michael and another two of Sydney’s most colourful figures spent Monday partying on board a luxury cruiser off Dubai, blissfully unaware police were ready to swoop.

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FOUR of Sydney’s most colourful figures spent Monday afternoon partying on board a luxury cruiser cutting through the crystal waters of the Persian Gulf.

They were blissfully unaware of the Dubai Police Force and Australian Federal Police officers monitoring their every move.

Dubai police and Australian authorities were monitoring the group’s every move.

Fadi Ibrahim with wife Shayda.

Michael Ibrahim and girlfriend.

Mustapha Dib.

Playboy’s paradise ... Dubai

After the boat docked among the multi-million dollar yachts in the opulent marina district, Fadi Ibrahim, brother of King’s Cross nightclub owner John, said his goodbyes and headed to the airport.

His brother Michael Ibrahim, together with Stephen Elmir and Mustapha Dib — released from jail last year after being acquitted of murder — began to make their way to an expensive celebratory dinner.

None of them made it.

Police swooped and all four were taken into custody.

Dubai has become a favourite playground for some of Sydney’s more notorious partygoers.

Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, assistant to the Dubai Police Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, said that the operation had started two years ago.

“The anti-narcotic department of the Ministry of Interior provided important information in the case and in the ‘zero hour’ set by the three countries, Dubai Police raided a restaurant in Dubai and arrested the five suspects, including the two brothers,” Maj-Gen Al Mansouri told the Gulf News.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan claimed: “There is a perception in criminal circles in this country that people are untouchable once they go offshore.”

But Mr Gaughan warned the party was over.

“Our international partners, one day, will come knocking on your door.”

Warning ... Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan.

One of the men arrested in synchronised Sydney raids yesterday.

Dubai has become a favourite playground for some of Sydney’s more notorious partygoers because of its luxury hotels, open bars and abundance of Eastern European women.

“This is a very clear message that places like Dubai and the UAE more broadly are working with law enforcement to bring these people to justice,” said Mr Gaughan.

Extradition proceedings from Dubai are underway and expected to be completed within 60 days.