Underworld kingpin Mokbel avoids a return to prison
Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been sentenced to time already served, avoiding a return to prison after losing his appeal related to major drug trafficking charges.
Sentencing and Court Decision
The Victorian Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that Mokbel, aged 60, would not serve further time behind bars. He appeared relieved in court and embraced his girlfriend after hearing the verdict.
The court, consisting of Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye, re-sentenced him to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days—an amount of time he has already served.
Justice McLeish noted that while the offending was serious and flagrant, Mokbel’s unusual circumstances warranted a reduced sentence.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Mokbel attempted to overturn his 2006 conviction, arguing that his case was compromised by barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo. However, this appeal was dismissed in October.
He had originally trafficked over 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, generating around $4 million in revenue, while evading authorities between July 2006 and June 2007 under Operation Magnum.
Earlier Convictions and Appeals
After being arrested in Greece in 2008 and extradited to Melbourne, Mokbel pleaded guilty in 2011 to the Magnum offense and two additional drug charges, known as Quills and Orbital. He successfully appealed those two convictions earlier in 2025.
Author’s Summary
Tony Mokbel, a leading figure in Australia’s underworld, has avoided further imprisonment after a re-sentencing confirmed he had already served his lengthy drug-trafficking term.