Court Spares Underworld Figure Tony Mokbel Extra Jail Time
Victoria's highest court has ruled that Tony Mokbel will not face additional prison time for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation, marking another legal victory for the underworld figure.
The Court of Appeal re-sentenced Mokbel to time already served after several of his previous convictions were overturned in connection with the Lawyer X scandal. As a result, the court determined that Mokbel is no longer considered a "serious drug offender."
“Mokbel is no longer a serious drug offender,” the court ruled, releasing him from serving extra time linked to the methamphetamine racket.
Mokbel, currently out on bail, appeared in court this morning to be re-sentenced for a drug operation he managed between 2006 and 2007 while hiding in Greece and evading Australian authorities.
Originally, in 2012, Mokbel received a 30-year prison term, including a 20-year sentence for the so-called "Magnum" drug scheme. That portion of his sentence has now been revised to reflect the time he has already spent in custody, taking into account both the impact of the Lawyer X scandal and the quashing of related convictions.
At the conclusion of Thursday’s hearing, Mokbel embraced his partner and left the court without making any public statements. He is scheduled to return later this month for proceedings related to another drug case.
Background of the Case
- The "Magnum" operation ran between 2006 and 2007.
- Mokbel was arrested after fleeing to Greece to avoid capture.
- His earlier convictions were affected by the Lawyer X corruption revelations.
- This re-sentencing marks one of several recent legal successes for Mokbel.
After more than 6,500 days in custody, this latest ruling brings Mokbel significantly closer to complete legal freedom.
Author's Summary
Tony Mokbel’s prison time was reduced to time served as Victoria’s Court of Appeal dismissed extra sentencing due to past legal irregularities.