Dean, a 66-year-old former Victoria Police detective sergeant, faces 35 charges including misconduct in public office, bribery and blackmail, arising from an IBAC investigation linked to Operation Bredbo and alleged abuse of police powers to assist associates and fabricate investigations.

Prosecutors allege Dean used his position to access powers and resources to pretend he was investigating a criminal offence for civil dispute assistance to Zhang, including falsely suggesting a theft and supplying Zhang with a recorded interview.

Additional accusations claim Dean fabricated information to magistrates, arrested someone over a civil debt under false pretenses, obtained burglary evidence in 2022 and relayed it to associates, and supplied sensitive information to others.

Lawyer Theo Magazis asked for a six-week adjournment after the brief is provided, noting the material is large and significant.

All four co-accused—Zhang, Meletsis, Dimopoulos and Dean’s travel agent associate Christine Zhang—were granted bail with conditions, including no contact with prosecution witnesses, and are due back in court later in April.

The court proceedings also involve the other co-accused, who were granted bail and ordered to return on the same date in April, with the broader case tied to IBAC’s investigation.

Dean appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on a formal list of 35 charges as proceedings continue.

Dean did not respond to questions outside court.

IBAC’s investigation, linked to Operation Bredbo from May 2022, centers on misconduct allegations against Dean.

Court documents indicate Dean admitted receiving about $200 in cash on an ad-hoc basis from Meletsis in May 2022, but denied being paid to perform duties.

The indictment includes alleged inducements to act improperly, such as return flights to Thailand, hotel stays at Park Hyatt Melbourne and Four Seasons Sydney, a driver, a phone and cash from associates linked to Zhang and Dimopoulos.

The charges include misconduct in public office, blackmail, bribery and attempting to pervert the course of justice.