A leading loyalist from north Belfast, Andre Shoukri, has appeared in court charged with blackmail, intimidation and money laundering.
Belfast Magistrates' Court was told he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The 28-year-old, whose address was given as Clare Heights, gave a thumbs up to around a dozen supporters in the courtroom as he appeared in the dock alongside another man, William Boreland.
Mr Shoukri, who was dressed in a green t-shirt and casual jacket, faced one charge of blackmail, one charge of intimidation and one charge of money laundering.
38-year-old Mr Boreland faced one charge of blackmail, two charges of using a firearm or imitation firearm to cause fear and to cause an arrestable offence, one charge of intimidation and one charge of money laundering.
A PSNI detective sergeant told the magistrate that Mr Shoukri had replied 'not guilty' when the charges were put to him yesterday. He also said Mr Boreland made no reply.
The detective sergeant said he believed he could connect both men to the charges.
Both suspects were remanded in custody to appear by video link on 9 December.
Their solicitor urged the media to report today's proceedings with respect for the principle of a fair trial.
He criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland for the leaking of information in the run up to today's appearance before magistrates.
