Armed robbers claimed to be from the IRA during a raid on a pizza takeaway in west Belfast, the High Court has heard.
Prosecutors said a staff member was warned he would be shot if police were alerted during a failed bid to seize the contents of a safe.
Two of the suspects were arrested after officers arrived at the premises on Kennedy Way on 27 June.
Another pair who may have been involved escaped in a delivery van later found burnt-out on the Glen Road.
Details emerged as one of the accused, 32-year-old Paul McHugh, was refused bail.
McHugh, of Naroon Park, Belfast, is charged with robbery, false imprisonment, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Fiona O'Kane, prosecuting, said masked and armed men claiming to represent the IRA entered the Four Star pizzeria at around 10.30am and ordered a worker to get on his knees behind the counter.
"One of the robbers told him he would be shot if he called the police," she said.
Demands were made for the keys to a safe which could have held thousands of pounds, the court heard.
A member of staff was ordered to delete CCTV footage but was unable to do so, according to the prosecution.
Mrs O'Kane said McHugh and a co-accused were arrested at the scene. A semi-automatic gun and balaclavas were also allegedly recovered.
Opposing bail due to the risk of further offences, she added: "This was an early morning, very violent robbery."
Michael Boyd, defending, accepted there was a strong prima facie case against his client.
He set out how McHugh was prepared to surrender the deeds to his house as a surety, and was willing to be curfewed and electronically tagged.
Mr Boyd also argued there was little motivation to interfere with witnesses as the incident was captured on CCTV.
But refusing bail, Mr Justice Gillen said: "I have no doubt those involved in this offence would not hesitate to interfere with witnesses if they thought there was the slightest chance of escaping justice."
© UTV News