Former federal Labor MP Craig Thomson will "vigorously fight" charges over his involvement in an alleged multi-million-dollar visa migration fraud.
Mr Thomson, 57, appeared via video link at Gosford Local Court on Thursday after Australia Federal Police officers arrested him at his Terrigal home on the NSW Central Coast on Wednesday.
Police allege Mr Thomson was the "prime facilitator" or common thread of the scheme between migration agencies and visa applicants.
The court heard that Mr Thomson was involved with companies including an export fruit and vegetable business with links to India.
In its application to oppose bail, the crown prosecutor expressed concern that Mr Thomson was a serious flight risk, could interfere with witnesses and had the potential to commit further offences.
It also held concerns that Mr Thomson did not have access to a surety of $500,000.
Lawyer and former NSW Labor boss Jamie Clements, who is representing Mr Thomson, said his client had no assets and had applied for JobSeeker payments.
Mr Thomson recently separated from his wife with whom he has three children.
Mr Clements argued that his client's close ties to the community and connection to his three children would negate any flight risk.
"He is a family man. Why on earth would he want to flee the jurisdiction, never to return, never to see his children again?" Mr Clements said.
Strict bail conditions have been imposed including that Mr Thomson surrender his passport and not leave the Greater Sydney and Newcastle area.
Mr Thomson has been restricted from contacting potential witnesses and business associates.
Mr Clements said Mr Thomson "denies any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously fight the charges".
Magistrate Jennifer Price accepted that Mr Thomson did not need the $500,000 surety deposit due to his family and community ties.
