Ex-Nomad bikie Michael Issa bailed to attend drug rehab centre on $100k extortion charge

Police allege Michael Issa lured a tradie to his brothel under the guise of getting him to do a quote for some work. Once inside, Issa allegedly demanded the man pay him $100k - or else.

Greystanes man Michael Issa.

A former high-ranking Nomads bikie and brothel owner who allegedly tried to extort $100,000 from a Sydney businessman has been bailed to attend a drug rehab centre.

Court documents tendered to the NSW Supreme Court said Michael Issa, 34, was on parole for another extortion offence when he allegedly lured the tradie to his brothel in Sydney on August 15 under the guise of having the man provide a quote for his services.

It is alleged Issa and a co-accused prevented the man from leaving once he had finished at the property, telling him he “wasn’t going anywhere”.

Michael Issa, 34, was on parole for another extortion offence.

Issa allegedly demanded the man hand over $20,000 immediately, then gave him two days to come up with a further $80,000.

“You know what this is about, this is about money, we know how much you have in your bank accounts,” Issa’s co-accused allegedly said.

“We know you have million dollar contracts, we know you are making money.”

According to court documents, Issa allegedly punched the victim in the head multiple times then grabbed his phone and transferred $20,000 out of his bank account.

“You have two days to come back to this spot, with $80,000,” Issa allegedly said.

“If you don’t, I will get you. If you tell the cops, I will shoot you in the f...ing face.”

The court heard the tradie reported the matter to police later that day and was able to have the monetary transaction reversed after contacting his bank.

Police raided Issa’s Greystanes home and the brothel premises on September 6, seizing mobile phones and CCTV hard drives. Issa was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, inflicting actual bodily harm. He was remanded in custody and fronted a Sydney court the following day where he was refused bail.

Issa spent three months in custody before being granted bail by the NSW Supreme Court to attend a live-in rehabilitation program in North Richmond