Australian gangster Tony Mokbel gets reduced drug sentence

Australian Gangster Tony Mokbel's Sentence Reduced

Tony Mokbel, once sentenced to 20 years for drug trafficking, has had his sentence shortened to 13 years after revelations about his lawyer’s role as a police informant during Melbourne’s gangland war.

Background on Tony Mokbel and "The Company"

In 2012, Mokbel received a 30-year sentence for leading a sophisticated drug syndicate during the violent Melbourne gangland conflict. His criminal group, known as “The Company,” was connected to numerous murders, later depicted in the TV series Underbelly.

Revelations About Lawyer Nicola Gobbo

The case shifted dramatically when it was revealed that Nicola Gobbo, Mokbel’s high-profile lawyer, had secretly informed the police while representing clients, earning the codename Informer 3838.

Legal Developments and Appeal

Mokbel served about 18 years before being granted bail in April, following a court finding that his convictions could be appealed. His lawyers argued that he would not have pleaded guilty had the double role of Gobbo been known at the time.

Details of the Court of Appeal Ruling

The ruling addressed a charge involving trafficking over 41 kilograms of methylamphetamine between 2006 and 2007. Though the appeal was dismissed, the court reduced Mokbel’s original 20-year sentence to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days.

The court described Mokbel’s crimes as “very grave” but recognized “unusual circumstances” in the case, noting he was a first-time drug offender and had suffered serious injuries in prison.

Summary

The sentence reduction reflects the complexity of Mokbel’s case, shaped by his lawyer’s betrayal and his prior good character despite the severity of his offences.

Author’s summary: Tony Mokbel’s drug sentence was reduced due to his lawyer's conflict of interest as a police informant, highlighting legal complexities amid serious criminal charges.

The Sun Malaysia — 2025-11-06