Court Spares Underworld Figure Tony Mokbel Extra Jail Time
Victoria's highest court has ruled that Tony Mokbel is no longer classified as a "serious drug offender" and will not be sent back to prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking network.
Mokbel, currently on bail, was re-sentenced today for a drug operation he directed from 2006 to 2007 while evading Australian police in Greece.
Background of the Case
In 2012, Mokbel was sentenced to 30 years in prison, including a 20-year term related to the drug scheme known as "Magnum." However, the Court of Appeal has now reduced that sentence to time served after overturning some convictions linked to the Lawyer X scandal.
"Tony Mokbel is no longer a 'serious drug offender' and will not face additional prison time."
Recent Court Hearing
- The Court of Appeal re-sentenced Mokbel to time already served.
- The reduction resulted from the fallout of the Lawyer X scandal and other legal developments.
- Mokbel kissed his partner passionately after the hearing but declined to comment to the media.
- He is expected to appear in court later this month for a separate drug-related case.
Mokbel has now spent over 6,500 days in custody, and this ruling marks a significant step toward his potential total freedom.
Author's summary: The Court of Appeal has cut Tony Mokbel's sentence related to a methamphetamine ring, recognizing him no longer as a serious drug offender and reducing his jail time to time served.