Alleged Sydney crime figure’s big legal win to go on family holiday

A man who police allege is a Sydney crime figure has had a big legal win and can now do one thing.

A man who police allege is a senior Sydney crime figure and was arrested after bundles of cash were found inside a fire extinguisher cupboard in his CBD apartment building has had his bail varied so he can go on an overseas vacation with his family.

Mohammed Alameddine was arrested earlier this year after police conducted a search of the 40-year-old’s unit as part of a firearm prohibition order compliance check.

Police found nothing inside the unit; however, when they searched two fire extinguisher cupboards inside the apartment block’s common area, they uncovered $13,000 cash and a mobile phone.

Following a forensic analysis, police allege Mr Alameddine was linked to the items, and he was arrested a week later.

Mohamad Alameddine was charged with breaching a serious crime prevention order. Picture: NewsWire/Monique Harmer

He was charged with two counts of contravening a serious crime prevention order and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.

Mr Alameddine previously pleaded not guilty and will fight the charges at a hearing next year.

He was released on bail earlier this year, on strict conditions including that he surrender his passport.

He appeared before the Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday and was represented by his solicitor Michael Ayache in an attempt to have his bail varied so he could go on an overseas holiday with his wife and family.

“There is no question there is a risk (Mr Alameddine) would flee the jurisdiction on the basis of this variation,” Justice Helen Wilson said.

Mr Alameddine was arrested a week after police searched his apartment. Picture: Supplied/NSW Police.

The bail variation was not opposed by the Crown prosecution.

Justice Wilson suspended several of Mr Alameddine’s bail conditions so he could travel overseas, including allowing his passport to be returned temporarily.

He will be required to provide the officer in charge of the investigation with an itinerary and the addresses of where he intends to stay overseas.