Underworld Kingpin Mokbel Avoids Return to Prison
Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been sentenced to time already served after losing a bid to overturn one of his convictions. He will not serve additional prison time for trafficking 41kg of methamphetamine while evading law enforcement.
Mokbel, 60, appeared relieved at the Victorian Court of Appeal's decision and shared a kiss with his girlfriend following the ruling. He had sought to have his 2006 conviction quashed, alleging that barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo tainted his case.
Appeal Outcome and Sentencing
In October, the court rejected Mokbel's appeal on the drug-trafficking charge, related to the police operation named Magnum. The conviction was upheld, and Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye re-sentenced him on Thursday to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days—time he has already served.
“While the offending was serious and flagrant, Mokbel's unusual circumstances warranted the more modest sentence,” stated Justice McLeish.
Details of the Offending
- Mokbel committed the Magnum offences between July 2006 and June 2007 while on the run for different charges.
- He trafficked over 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, generating more than $4 million.
- During this period, he was hiding in regional Victoria and Greece.
Legal History
Mokbel was arrested and extradited to Melbourne in 2008. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to the Magnum offence and two other drug charges. Earlier in 2025, he successfully appealed the latter two convictions, known as Quills and Orbital.
Author's summary: Tony Mokbel has avoided further prison time after his drug trafficking conviction was upheld and re-sentenced to the time served, reflecting the court's recognition of his unique circumstances.