Tony Mokbel, a convicted drug trafficker and underworld figure, has been granted bail after nearly two decades in prison. The decision came from the Victorian Court of Appeal, which found the circumstances of his case “clearly exceptional.” Mokbel will be released on a $1 million surety, under strict bail conditions.
Court Decision and Bail Conditions
Justice Karin Emerton delivered the decision, accompanied by Justices Robert Osborn and Jane Dixon. She stated that Mokbel was “not the man he once was” and noted the strength of his appeal in light of the Lawyer-X findings. Mokbel will live at his sister Gawe Saad’s home in Melbourne’s northeast. He will adhere to GPS monitoring, daily police reporting, and a curfew.
Gawe Saad and Yusuf Saad increased their surety to $1 million. Ms Saad committed to immediately reporting any bail breaches. The court emphasized Mokbel’s incentive to remain in the jurisdiction during his ongoing appeal.
Figure 1: Tony Mokbel was heavily guarded by police as he arrived at court
Background and Criminal Convictions
Mokbel was born in Kuwait in 1965 and moved to Australia in 1974. After his father died on his 15th birthday, Mokbel became involved in criminal activities. His first convictions occurred in the 1980s.
Known for leading a criminal organisation called “the company,” Mokbel was involved in serious commercial drug importation. He pleaded guilty to charges relating to MDMA and methamphetamine shipments in the 2000s. This plea was part of a deal to drop other cases.
Appeal and Lawyer-X Scandal
Mokbel’s current appeal challenges three drug-related convictions, known as the Quills, Magnum, and Orbital cases. His legal team argues the verdicts should be overturned, citing misconduct revealed by the Lawyer-X scandal.
The scandal emerged in 2019, revealing that Nicola Gobbo, Mokbel’s former lawyer, acted as a police informer. Justice Emerton highlighted the findings of NSW Supreme Court Judge Elizabeth Fullerton, who uncovered a “joint criminal enterprise to pervert the course of justice.”
Mokbel’s legal team argued that he would not have pleaded guilty if aware of Gobbo’s role. They described the case as a “miscarriage of justice.” The appeal is expected to proceed by the end of 2025.
Figure 2: Tony with Nicola Gobbo in 2004
Past Legal Developments
In a previous appeal, Mokbel successfully reduced his sentence by four years. At best, he had six years left to serve, with the possibility of parole in June 2031. The new appeal is considered more complex due to the nature of the charges and the Lawyer-X revelations.
Arrest and Incarceration
Authorities arrested Mokbel in Greece in 2007 after he fled Australia aboard a yacht named “The Edwena.” His sister-in-law, Renate, was jailed in 2008 for failing to pay Mokbel’s initial surety and misleading the court about her assets.
Figure 3: Tony was arrested in Greece in 2007 after fleeing Australia
Since his arrest, Mokbel has spent most of his time behind bars, except for hospital visits and court appearances. During his bail hearing, he arrived in a bearcat armoured vehicle, accompanied by heavy police security.
Family Support
Mokbel’s sister, Gawe Saad, expressed relief at the decision. Family and friends supported his bail application. In court, Mokbel appeared in a black pinstriped suit and smiled at the crowd.
Figure 4: Mokbel’s sister Gawe Saad with friends and Family supported him upon receiving bail
Future Plans
Mokbel expressed a desire to visit his children and his mother’s grave upon his release. He remains focused on the appeal process and hopes to clear his name.
The appeal’s outcome remains uncertain, but Mokbel’s legal team remains confident. Justice Emerton acknowledged the appeal’s complexity but stressed that recent findings have strengthened Mokbel’s case.
Mokbel’s release marks the end of nearly two decades in prison, but his legal battles continue. The Australian public remains divided on his release, with some questioning the decision and others expressing hope for justice.
