Underworld kingpin Mokbel avoids a return to prison
Gangland figure Tony Mokbel will not return to prison after a new sentencing decision acknowledged the time he has already served. The judgment followed his unsuccessful appeal to overturn his 2006 drug-trafficking conviction.
Background of the Case
The Victorian Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that Mokbel, 60, had completed his term for trafficking 41 kilograms of methamphetamine while fleeing authorities. After the decision, he appeared visibly relieved and kissed his partner in court.
Details of the Offending
Mokbel’s crimes, known under police operation “Magnum,” occurred between July 2006 and June 2007 while he evaded capture on unrelated charges. During that period, he orchestrated a drug network moving over 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, generating around $4 million, while hiding across regional Victoria and in Greece.
Legal Proceedings
He was arrested in Greece, extradited to Melbourne in 2008, and pleaded guilty in 2011 to the “Magnum” offence and two additional trafficking charges. Although the court maintained his Magnum conviction, Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye re-sentenced him to a term of 13 years, seven months, and 15 days—already served.
Justice McLeish stated that while the offence was serious and blatant, Mokbel’s particular circumstances justified the reduced sentence.
Subsequent Appeals
In October, Mokbel lost his appeal claiming former barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo compromised his trial. However, earlier in 2025, he succeeded in appealing two other convictions, referred to as “Quills” and “Orbital.”
Summary
Mokbel’s re-sentencing means he remains free, closing a major chapter in one of Australia’s most notorious criminal cases.
Author’s summary: Tony Mokbel’s lengthy drug-trafficking saga concluded with a sentence equaling time served, ending his complex legal battles and sparing him further imprisonment.