Former Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski’s son bailed for alleged drug dealing on dark web

Allegedly caught packing drugs as he was raided, a court has heard ex-Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski’s son Mark used the handle ‘Aus Coke King’ as he allegedly handled dark web drug orders.

Police arrest Mark Chikarovski as part of an investigation into drug supply on the dark web. Picture: NSW Police

Former Liberal party leader Kerry Chikarovski’s son has been granted bail after a $500k surety was put forward after he allegedly supplied drugs on the dark web in exchange for cryptocurrency, all from his family home.

Gasps of relief were heard throughout Waverley Local Court from a trio of Mark Chikarovski’s supporters, including his father has jointly put forward the $500,000 surety.

In assessing the 38-year-old’s bail application, Magistrate Ross Hudson said there were “serious allegations” before the court.

Reading out the police facts, Magistrate Hudson said the father-of-two allegedly used the handle “Aus Coke King” and is alleged to have sent orders – made through the dark web – from Australian Post boxes.

He referenced “electronic evidence” of his attendance on a number of occasions with drugs “ranging from methamphetamine to cocaine”.

Mark Chikarovski, son of former Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski, is arrested as part of an investigation into drug supply on the dark web. Picture: NSW Police

Mark Chikarovski was arrested at a Bondi apartment. Picture: NSW Police

When Chikarovski was told by a customer a package didn’t arrive, which the court heard was due to it being intercepted by police, the 38-year-old allegedly tried to stop a loss in business and said: “not sure if I f**ked up … I want you to keep coming back, so I will chuck extra in”.

During his arrest, Magistrate Hudson said police found Chikarovski “partially barricaded” in the master bedroom with officers forcing entry.

Mark Chikarovski and his mum, former Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski.

Police told media on Friday it would be alleged Chikarovski was packing illicit drugs ready to post when police raided the address.

“The individual, given what he was (allegedly) doing at the time we executed at the time, was shocked about the fact that police were present and we don’t believe that he was even aware that law enforcement had an interest in his activities,’’ Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft said.

Supt Craft alleged Chikarovski was taking precautions by wearing gloves when he packed the substances.

Along with cocaine, MDMA and methylamphetamine, police said there were restricted prescription substances.

In court, Magistrate Hudson accepted there was a strong prosecution case, noting “electronic surveillance” and “computer analysis”, but told the court that while there were 31 charges, some could be dropped as the court process continues.

He acknowledged there will be a delay of at least six months and referenced concerns held by Chikarovski’s wife about his “family name” if he was held in custody.

He ultimately said bail concerns could be mitigated by way of strict conditions including the $500,000 surety, a curfew from 8pm to 6am, to reside at an address in Tamarama, report daily and surrender his passport.

In determining a bail address it was revealed by the prosecution that Chikarovski was handed a lifetime ban from Meriton.

The matter was adjourned to July 13.

At court, Chikarovski waved to supporters, including his partner, as he made his bail bid.

Chickarovski’s mother, who led the Liberal Party from 1999 to 2002, was told of her son’s arrest hours after it happened on Thursday.

“I have just received that phone call and I have absolutely no comment to make,” she told The Daily Telegraph before hurriedly hanging up.

Since leaving politics in 2003, Mrs Chikarovski set up her own consultancy firm and sits on multiple boards and charity committees.

“Kerry Chikarovski is the founder and director of Chikarovski & Associates, a government relations consultancy that helps organisations effect change through better policy communication and influence,” the business website says.

“Kerry holds a number of board positions, with her passion for sport evident in roles at NSW Waratahs Rugby Union and NSW Women’s Rugby Union, and she works across several not-for-profits including Adopt Change, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Our Watch.”

In 2021, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to the Parliament of NSW and to the community” in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mrs Chikarovski also has a daughter Lisa with former husband Kris Chikarovski, and four grandchildren.