A dramatic, last-minute intervention by the Supreme Court has allowed a close friend of NRL star Nathan Cleary to attend his own wedding, just one day after he was charged with a series of serious drug and money laundering offences.
Emergency Bail Secured Hours Before Ceremony
Reece Iaria, aged 28, was seen leaving Sydney's Parklea Correctional Centre merely two hours before his scheduled wedding ceremony at Pier One in The Rocks on Saturday. This followed a tense legal battle after Iaria was taken into custody on Friday, charged with 15 separate offences related to drug supply and money laundering. The charges stem from a comprehensive two-year investigation conducted by New South Wales Police.
Emotional Courtroom Scenes and Legal Hustle
Iaria's now-wife, Christina Ribeiro, was observed leaving the courtroom in tears after an initial bail request was denied on the eve of their wedding. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Iaria's legal representative, Ahmed Dib, successfully filed an emergency Supreme Court bail application on Saturday morning. The application was granted, leading to Iaria's release just hours before the wedding was set to commence.
"They've got barbers waiting … and he'll be dressed to impress," Mr Dib confidently told 7News as organisers scrambled to ensure the wedding preparations remained on track. The ceremony proceeded as planned, with Cleary, serving as a groomsman, seen enjoying a drink and shaking hands with Iaria at the harbour-side venue.
Details of the Police Investigation and Charges
Iaria spent Friday night in jail after police alleged he was linked to an organised crime network involved in drug operations and money laundering. The investigation, led by Strike Force Torino, culminated in a raid on Iaria's home on Ladbury Avenue in Penrith at 6:50 am on Thursday.
Notably, the property was purchased by Nathan Cleary in 2018 and has been rented to Iaria since. Authorities have stressed there is no suggestion that any illegal activities occurred at the house or that Cleary was aware of the allegations against his friend. Mr Dib has also strongly contested the charges levied against his client.
Significant Evidence Uncovered by Police
New South Wales Police, however, have asserted that the evidence against Iaria is substantial. In an official statement, officers detailed the findings from the search warrant executed with assistance from the Raptor Squad and the Dog Squad.
The seized items included:
- Electronics, including a suspected DECCD device.
- 4 grams of cocaine.
- Testosterone.
- 2kg of lidocaine, believed to be used in the manufacture of cocaine.
- A Glock-style gel blaster pistol, concealed inside a golf bag in the garage.
Iaria faces a multitude of charges, including five counts of supplying a prohibited drug, three counts of supplying a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and single counts of obtaining or attempting to obtain a prescribed restricted substance, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.
Bail Conditions and Legal Proceedings
During the bail hearing, Iaria's lawyer initially argued for conditions that would confine him to his parents' home, which were ultimately granted. Interestingly, while the police prosecutor opposed bail in general, they expressed support for Iaria's temporary release specifically for his wedding day.
Reece Iaria is the tenth individual to be charged as part of the ongoing Strike Force Torino investigation. The case is scheduled to return to court in April for further legal proceedings.
