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Monday, Apr 07, 2025
Outside the box.
Tony Mokbel Granted Bail After Nearly Two Decades in Prison
Notorious Australian gangster Tony Mokbel is set to be released on bail as he appeals drug trafficking convictions amid claims of police misconduct.
Tony Mokbel, a prominent figure in Australia’s gangland history, has been granted bail after spending approximately 18 years in prison.
The 59-year-old arrived at the court in Melbourne on Friday morning escorted by a significant police presence, including an armored BearCat vehicle.
Mokbel engaged briefly with his legal team before the court’s decision.
The ruling came from three justices of the Court of Appeal, who found that Mokbel had demonstrated truly exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail as he continues to contest his remaining drug trafficking convictions in a case linked to the controversial Lawyer X appeal.
Justice Karin Emerton, the court president, noted that Mokbel possesses a strong case for having his convictions overturned.
Mokbel’s legal troubles began with his arrest in 2007 in Greece, where he evaded capture while on bail using a yacht and leaving behind a $1 million surety provided by his sister-in-law, Renate.
In the current appeal proceeding, Mokbel’s sister, Gawy Saad, pledged $850,000 in surety for his bail, expressing confidence that he would not repeat past actions that led to his prior absconding.
If released, Mokbel will be subject to stringent bail conditions, including GPS monitoring, curfews, daily check-ins with police, and restrictions on leaving Victoria.
Specific conditions are yet to be finalized by Justices Emerton, Robert Osborn, and Jane Dixon.
Mokbel is set to reside at Saad’s four-bedroom home in Viewbank, a suburb in Melbourne’s northeast, where she has committed to reporting any breaches of the bail conditions to authorities.
Mokbel’s barrister, Julie Condon, highlighted several factors in support of bail, including delays in the appeal process, the strength of his claim, his declining health, and his strong family ties within the jurisdiction.
Mokbel was previously convicted for leading a sophisticated multi-million-dollar drug trafficking operation notorious as The Company.
His previous legal representation by Nicola Gobbo, who he was unaware was acting as an informant for Victoria Police, has drawn significant scrutiny.
As Mokbel prepares for his appeal, he is currently eligible for parole in June 2031, with further hearings concerning his drug trafficking convictions scheduled for later this year.
The 59-year-old arrived at the court in Melbourne on Friday morning escorted by a significant police presence, including an armored BearCat vehicle.
Mokbel engaged briefly with his legal team before the court’s decision.
The ruling came from three justices of the Court of Appeal, who found that Mokbel had demonstrated truly exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail as he continues to contest his remaining drug trafficking convictions in a case linked to the controversial Lawyer X appeal.
Justice Karin Emerton, the court president, noted that Mokbel possesses a strong case for having his convictions overturned.
Mokbel’s legal troubles began with his arrest in 2007 in Greece, where he evaded capture while on bail using a yacht and leaving behind a $1 million surety provided by his sister-in-law, Renate.
In the current appeal proceeding, Mokbel’s sister, Gawy Saad, pledged $850,000 in surety for his bail, expressing confidence that he would not repeat past actions that led to his prior absconding.
If released, Mokbel will be subject to stringent bail conditions, including GPS monitoring, curfews, daily check-ins with police, and restrictions on leaving Victoria.
Specific conditions are yet to be finalized by Justices Emerton, Robert Osborn, and Jane Dixon.
Mokbel is set to reside at Saad’s four-bedroom home in Viewbank, a suburb in Melbourne’s northeast, where she has committed to reporting any breaches of the bail conditions to authorities.
Mokbel’s barrister, Julie Condon, highlighted several factors in support of bail, including delays in the appeal process, the strength of his claim, his declining health, and his strong family ties within the jurisdiction.
Mokbel was previously convicted for leading a sophisticated multi-million-dollar drug trafficking operation notorious as The Company.
His previous legal representation by Nicola Gobbo, who he was unaware was acting as an informant for Victoria Police, has drawn significant scrutiny.
As Mokbel prepares for his appeal, he is currently eligible for parole in June 2031, with further hearings concerning his drug trafficking convictions scheduled for later this year.
