Court Reduces Tony Mokbel’s Sentence
Former Melbourne gangland boss Tony Mokbel has achieved a major legal victory after the Court of Appeal ruled that he will not serve any additional prison time for drug trafficking charges.
Mokbel, a central figure in Melbourne’s gangland wars, originally received a 30-year sentence in 2012 after pleading guilty to serious drug offences. His term was later reduced to a non-parole period of 22 years. After spending 18 years behind bars, he was released on bail in April.
Appeals and Legal Battles
Mokbel launched a series of appeals tied to three major police operations—Orbital, Magnum, and Quills—after revelations that his former lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, had secretly acted as a police informant.
- In the Quills operation case, the Court of Appeal overturned convictions and acquitted Mokbel of related trafficking offences.
- For the Orbital operation, involving MDMA importing and trafficking, the court ordered a new trial.
- However, in the Magnum case, concerning his drug network called “The Company” and methylamphetamine trafficking in 2006–2007, his appeal was denied.
Final Sentencing Decision
“On Thursday, Victoria’s Court of Appeal set aside the original 2012 sentence, varying it to 13 years, 7 months and 15 days.”
This decision effectively ensures that Tony Mokbel will remain free, closing one of the longest and most high-profile chapters in Australia’s criminal justice history.
Author’s Summary
The Victorian court’s ruling cuts Mokbel’s sentence to just over 13 years, confirming he will serve no further jail time after 18 years in custody.