In a landmark decision, notorious crime figure Tony Mokbel has been granted bail by Victoria's Court of Appeal, marking his first taste of freedom after 18 years behind bars. The ruling, made on April 4, 2025, allows Mokbel to leave prison under strict conditions, as he continues to fight his drug trafficking convictions linked to the infamous Lawyer X scandal.
Mokbel, now 59 years old, was sentenced to 26 years for his role in Melbourne's gangland wars during the 1990s. His release comes six years earlier than his scheduled parole eligibility date of 2031, and 12 years before the expiry of his combined sentence for state and federal drug crimes. Three judges of the Court of Appeal ruled that Mokbel's circumstances were “truly exceptional,” allowing for his release.
During the hearing, Justice Karin Emerton noted that Mokbel had a “very strong case” for overturning his convictions, particularly due to revelations about his former lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, who had been secretly providing information to police while representing him. Mokbel's legal team argued that had he known of Gobbo's betrayal, he would not have pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
"Mr Mokbel was in no position to properly assess whether it was in his best interests to agree to the global plea deal which he entered into," Justice Emerton stated. She emphasized that the concealment of Gobbo’s actions could invalidate the plea agreement he had entered.
As part of his bail conditions, Mokbel will wear an ankle monitor, report daily to police, and live with his sister, Gawy Saad, at her home in Viewbank, a suburb of Melbourne. Saad has pledged a surety of $1 million to secure his release, which includes $100,000 in cash and the rest in equity from her properties. She has also agreed to report any breaches of Mokbel's bail conditions immediately.
Upon leaving the courthouse around 1:30 PM, Mokbel was met with a throng of supporters and media. He did not make any comments as he was escorted to a waiting vehicle, but was seen smiling and waving at those gathered. The court's decision has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among law enforcement officials who expressed frustration over Mokbel's release.
Several senior police sources voiced their concerns, with one former detective stating, "This just highlights how broken the criminal justice system in Victoria is. And the saddest thing is that nobody has been, or will be, held to account." The sentiment reflects a broader frustration within the police community regarding the implications of the Lawyer X scandal, which has led to questions about the integrity of the justice system.
Mokbel's legal troubles began when he fled Australia in 2006 while facing trial, managing to evade authorities for over a year while living in Greece. He was eventually arrested and extradited back to Australia, where he pleaded guilty to serious drug offences. His total sentence was later reduced by four years in 2023 after he successfully overturned a jury verdict in a previous appeal.
In light of Mokbel's pending appeal, Justice Emerton highlighted the significant time he has already spent in custody and the harsh conditions he faced, noting that he has suffered a traumatic brain injury from a prison assault in 2019. "Mr Mokbel has since spent some 18 years in custody. Much of this time has been spent in harsh conditions. This is likely to have some effect of deterrence," she said.
The upcoming appeal hearings, which could take place later this year, will determine whether Mokbel's convictions will be quashed. His legal team is preparing to argue that the evidence against him was compromised due to Gobbo's dual role as a police informant.
As Mokbel embarks on this new chapter of his life outside prison, he has expressed his desire to reconnect with family, including visiting his mother’s grave. He is expected to adhere strictly to the bail conditions imposed by the court, which include a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM and restrictions on his movements, particularly around airports.
In a statement, Mokbel's sister Gawy Saad expressed her confidence in her brother's commitment to comply with the conditions of his bail, stating, "Look, he’s been punished for it and he’s done his time. I’m sure he wouldn’t do it [flee] to anyone else or me. That’s my strong belief."
As the legal proceedings continue, Mokbel's case remains a focal point in discussions about justice and accountability in the Australian legal system. His upcoming appeal will not only affect his future but also has broader implications for the integrity of the judicial process in Victoria.
