Court Spares Underworld Figure Tony Mokbel Extra Jail Time
Victoria's highest court has ruled that Tony Mokbel, a prominent underworld figure, will not face additional prison time over a methamphetamine trafficking racket.
Re-sentencing and Legal Background
The Court of Appeal re-sentenced Mokbel to time already served after other convictions were overturned due to the Lawyer X scandal. Mokbel was originally sentenced in 2012 to three decades in jail, including a 20-year term for his involvement in a drug operation called "Magnum," which he ran while hiding in Greece in 2006–2007.
Current Status
- Mokbel is currently on bail.
- The Court declared he is no longer considered a "serious drug offender."
- The 20-year sentence for the Magnum scheme was changed to time served.
- Mokbel is due back in court later this month for a separate drug case.
"Tony Mokbel is no longer a 'serious drug offender' and will not be sent back to prison over the methamphetamine trafficking racket."
At the conclusion of Thursday's hearing, Mokbel kissed his partner passionately and left the court without commenting to the media.
Legal Implications
This ruling marks a significant legal victory, bringing Mokbel closer to full freedom after spending more than 6,500 days in custody.
Author's summary: Tony Mokbel avoids extra jail time after his drug convictions were reduced amid the Lawyer X scandal, marking a major step toward his eventual release.