A former CFMEU delegate has been charged with the torture of a missing Brisbane businessman, just weeks after being stripped of his union role.

Anthony Perrett, a long-time union activist, was removed from his post four weeks ago by government-appointed CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC, who cited concerns about Perrett’s conduct and performance on construction sites. Sources within the union allege Perrett was also linked to a small faction loyal to former Queensland boss Jade Ingham, who has been accused of fostering a culture of intimidation inside the union.

Perrett was arrested by Queensland detectives on Wednesday night and charged in relation to the disappearance of 56-year-old cybersecurity manager Andrew Burow. Burow was last seen on August 20 in Kelvin Grove, with police later declaring three crime scenes on the Sunshine Coast, including a property at Bli Bli.

In Maroochydore Magistrates’ Court on Friday, prosecutors alleged Perrett and co-accused Billy Howard tortured Burow before his disappearance. Items including a firearm, zip ties, a mobile phone and a note with Burow’s parents’ address were allegedly seized.

The court also heard Howard had FaceTimed his ex-partner while Burow was being beaten, and that telecommunications data placed the accused with the victim in the days after his disappearance. Money transfers between the two men were also tendered as evidence.

Perrett’s lawyer argued the case against him was weak, pointing only to a hotel booking confirmation and a text message sent by Howard. The magistrate rejected that claim, ruling Perrett posed an “unacceptable risk” to the community and refusing him bail.

The case comes as scrutiny of the CFMEU intensifies. It is the second time in weeks a union figure has been linked to violent crime, after revelations that a Victorian CFMEU delegate accused of a gangland execution was later promoted to a health-and-safety role.

Perrett and Howard have both been remanded in custody and will return to court in October.