Alleged criminal ringleader’s next move

A professional surfer and alleged member of infamous Sydney beach gang Bra Boys will be allowed to go on holiday despite being accused of directing a multimillion-dollar drug importation ring.

Evan Faulks, 38, appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday to ask the court to allow him to travel to the Gold Coast and spend a holiday in Byron Bay.

He has been subjected to strict bail conditions after he was extradited from Queensland last year following a sprawling 18-month investigation into drug consignments intercepted by US authorities.

Police allege Mr Faulks was a “high-ranking member” of the Maroubra-based Bra Boys gang who directed a $12.6m international meth and cocaine importation ring.

He was allegedly a main player in the criminal group for nearly nine years, from July 2014 until March last year.

During that time, the 38-year-old allegedly handled more than $260,000 which police suspect was the proceeds of a crime.

The professional surfer, who featured in videos with sport and energy drink company Red Bull, is further alleged to have concealed almost $840,000 in a TAB sports betting account.

He has been charged with knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal and dealing with more than $100,000 which was suspected to be the proceeds of a crime.

Mr Faulks has not entered pleas to the charges.

On Wednesday, his lawyer Gregory Goold asked the court to relax the bail condition which prohibits Mr Faulks from travelling to an international point of departure.

He told the court the change would allow the surfer to travel to the Gold Coast via the Coolangatta airport, which hosts a combined domestic and international terminal.

Mr Goold also asked the court to temporarily vary Mr Faulk’s bail to allow him to go on holiday to a caravan park in Byron Bay.

The requests were not opposed by the crown prosecutor.

Magistrate Susan McIntyre made the variations sought by the professional surfer and adjourned his matter until later this month.