An electrical engineer and a kebab store worker charged over trying to buy a gun that was "the choice of most hitmen" appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kuytim Bajramovski, 25, of Cringila, and Bilal Deniz, 21, of Fairy Meadow were facing charges of trying to acquire a pistol without a permit.
Police arrested the pair in Stuart Park at 12.25pm on Monday after members from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearm Squad was tracking the alleged purchase online.
In facts tendered to court police tracked Bajramovski's movements online in trying to purchase a .22 pistol, which included the exploration of cryptocurrency.
When the pair were arrested police allegedly found Bajramovski in possession of $2210 which police claimed he later admitted to withdrawing from a nearby ATM.
The police facts stated that "digital forensic enquiries have identified the accused as the user of the known online alias which facilitated the purchase of the .22LR calibre pistol".
READ MORE: A to-do list for fraud - court
Both men applied for bail separately.
Police prosecutor Sgt Sean Thackeray opposed bail for Bajramovski.
"The offence in and of itself is very serious," Sgt Thackeray said.
"It showed insight and planning.
"If he was released on bail the accused would still have the knowledge, whereabouts and contacts to commit similar offences in the future."
His defence solicitor said Bajramovski had no criminal history, had strong community ties and was paying the mortgage for the home in which his family lived.
While acknowledging this was "a serious matter", Magistrate Robert Walker granted Bajramovski bail under strict conditions.
He must reside at the family home in Cringila, report daily to Wollongong police, not have any contact with Deniz and not use the internet at all.
The solicitor for co-accused Deniz, who worked at a kebab store, pointed out the police evidence against his client was slim.
He said the police facts showed "no evidence of a criminal enterprise" nor indicated that Deniz "knew a gun was there at all".
Sgt Thackerey pointed out that Deniz was on bail for demanding property with menaces and "now comes before the court charged with trying to acquire a firearm".
Magistrate Walker conceded the police facts did not show a strong case against Deniz.
However he did note the .22 pistol was "the choice of most hitmen in this country".
He rejected the defence's suggestion of bail conditions due to the fact he had been charged while on bail for earlier charges.
Both men will return to Wollongong Local Court on November 27.