Australian gangster Tony Mokbel gets reduced drug sentence
Tony Mokbel, one of Australia’s most infamous crime figures, has received a reduced sentence for drug trafficking after revelations that his lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, had acted as a police informant during Melbourne’s gangland war.
Background and Conviction
Originally sentenced to 30 years in 2012 for orchestrating a major drug network known as "The Company," Mokbel’s organization was tied to multiple killings later depicted in the television series Underbelly.
Revelation of Police Informant
The case shifted dramatically when it was revealed that his lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, had given information to police while representing him and other clients.
"His legal team argued he wouldn’t have pleaded guilty had he known about Gobbo’s double life as Informer 3838."
Appeal and Sentence Reduction
After serving about 18 years behind bars, Mokbel was released on bail in April following a court’s decision that his convictions could be appealed. The Court of Appeal review centered on a charge involving 41 kilograms of methylamphetamine trafficked between 2006 and 2007.
Although the appeal was dismissed, the court reduced his 20-year sentence to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days.
"The court noted Mokbel’s crimes were very grave but acknowledged unusual circumstances in the case."
Judicial Considerations
Justices highlighted that despite the severity of his crimes, Mokbel had no prior drug offenses and had sustained serious injuries during his imprisonment, factors that influenced the final judgment.
Author’s Summary
An Australian court cut Tony Mokbel’s prison term after confirming his lawyer’s role as a police informant, exposing one of the country’s most scandalous legal breaches.