Maythem Kamil Radhi, 45, was extradited from New Zealand to Australia over claims he was part of a syndicate responsible for placing hundreds of people on board a fishing boat known as SIEV-X in 2001.
The case against him suggests he played a "facilitation" role before the ill-fated voyage left Indonesia, commonwealth prosecutor Daniel Caruana said on Monday.
Some witnesses say he was present when money was negotiated, but they "more consistently" remembered him as an organiser, Mr Caruana said.
Much of the allegation centres on taking care of logistics, including busses between hotels and beaches.
Evidence heard on Monday from Quasy Al Majid, a man who says he dealt with Radhi in Indonesia, suggested the accused's duties included helping to check off cash payments against people's names.
Detailing the Indonesian side of people smuggling schemes in 2001, he told the court he was among hundreds of asylum seekers staying in villas, where they were told not to go outside.
They were directed to move quickly when being transported by bus, and travelled under the cover of darkness, Mr Al Majid told Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Witnesses are also expected to include a woman rescued when the overcrowded boat sank between Sumatra and Christmas Island, and several others who abandoned the voyage earlier by hitching rides aboard fishing boats back to Indonesia.
Radhi faces one charge of organising bringing groups of non-citizens into Australia.
The committal hearing is expected to last several days.
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