A man accused of using backpackers to sell fake gold before laundering the profits has been denied bail in a Queensland court.
Michael Eiseike, 29, pleaded with a magistrate at Southport Magistrate Court to be released from custody after claiming he hadn't eaten properly since his arrest last Saturday.
But Magistrate Paul Johnstone refused his bail application on the advice of a mental health clinician who stated Eiseike needed involuntary treatment.
Eiseike is accused of luring dozens of primarily Asian tourists to work for him to sell fake gold before stealing their identities to launder the profits.
He is facing five charges dating back to August last year including weapon possession and holding counterfeit money.
Magistrate Johnstone said the clinician's recommendation made him loath to grant bail.
"It's bearing very heavily on this court's mind the fact he's showing symptoms which require involuntary mental health intervention," he told the court.
Police allege Eiseike set up bank accounts in the backpackers' names.
Raids over the weekend following his arrest uncovered a cache of stolen passports, counterfeit money, fake metals and weapons including a dual sword/cane device.
Eiseike's case was adjourned until September 30.
His co-accused, Angie Ryan, 29, faced court on Saturday on charges of fraud, theft and breach of bail.
She was bailed and is set to reappear on September 24.
