Underworld Kingpin Mokbel Avoids Prison Return
Tony Mokbel, a notorious drug trafficker, has been sentenced to time already served following a failed attempt to overturn one of his convictions. Mokbel, aged 60, will not serve additional prison time for trafficking 41kg of methamphetamine while evading law enforcement.
After the Victorian Court of Appeal decision, Mokbel appeared relieved and shared a kiss with his girlfriend.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Mokbel initially sought to have his 2006 conviction quashed, arguing that barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo compromised his case. However, his appeal was denied in October, and the conviction related to the police operation "Magnum" was upheld.
The court, composed of Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye, imposed a new sentence of 13 years, seven months, and 15 days, which matches the time Mokbel has already served.
Justice McLeish stated: “While the offending was serious and flagrant, Mokbel's unusual circumstances warranted the more modest sentence.”
Offending Details
- Mokbel committed the Magnum offence between July 2006 and June 2007.
- He trafficked over 41 kilograms of methamphetamine.
- The drug sales generated approximately $4 million.
- During this period, he was on the run, hiding in regional Victoria and Greece.
Background and Additional Charges
Arrested and extradited to Melbourne in 2008, Mokbel pleaded guilty in 2011 to the Magnum offence and two other drug-related charges.
Earlier in 2025, he successfully appealed the other two convictions, known as Quills and Orbital.
Author’s summary: Tony Mokbel has avoided further jail time after the court re-sentenced him to the period he has already served for serious meth trafficking during his time on the run.