A suspected loyalist paramilitary tried to blackmail an undercover police officer into handing over £2,000, a Belfast court heard today.
Mr Samuel Blair (47) thought he was threatening a businessman into handing over the cash, it was claimed.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious and Organised Crime Squad arrested the labourer, of no fixed address, following an operation that is understood to have centred on the construction industry in North Belfast.
Mr Blair was also accused of asking the officer to hand over the money for paramilitary purposes and of membership of the Ulster Defence Association.
He said "No reply" when all three charges were put to him, Belfast magistrates court was told.
A detective constable said he believed he could connect the accused to the offences, which were alleged to have taken place between May 28th and June 2nd.
Mr Blair was remanded in custody for four weeks to appear again via a video link on July 1st.
PA