Court Reduces Sentence of Gangland Boss Tony Mokbel
Former gangland leader Tony Mokbel has achieved a significant court victory by avoiding further imprisonment for drug trafficking convictions. Mokbel, a prominent figure in Melbourne’s gangland conflict, was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2012 to severe drug-related charges. This sentence was later adjusted to a non-parole period of 22 years.
After serving 18 years, Mokbel was released on bail in April. He challenged his convictions connected to three police operations—Orbital, Magnum, and Quills—citing explosive disclosures that his lawyer Nicola Gobbo acted as a police informant.
Appeals and Court Decisions
- For the Quills operation, the Court of Appeal overturned Mokbel’s trafficking convictions and acquitted him.
- The court ordered a new trial regarding his MDMA importing and trafficking charges related to the Orbital operation.
- His appeal against the Magnum case, involving his drug network “The Company” and trafficking methylamphetamine during 2006–2007 while he was overseas, was unsuccessful.
- On Thursday, Victoria’s Court of Appeal overturned the 2012 sentence, reducing it to 13 years, 7 months, and 15 days.
"The original 2012 sentence has been set aside and varied to 13 years, 7 months and 15 days," the court declared.
This ruling means Mokbel will not return to prison, marking a dramatic shift in his legal battles stemming from his central role in Melbourne’s underworld.
Author’s summary: Tony Mokbel’s gangland drug trafficking sentence was significantly shortened after appeals revealed policing controversies, ensuring he avoids further imprisonment.