Jobaaj Stories
Tony Mokbel: Australia's Notorious Crime Boss
Tony Mokbel, 59, is one of Australia's most infamous figures, a name synonymous with drug trafficking and a dramatic escape to Greece. His story, spanning decades of crime and legal battles, is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and relentless pursuit by the law.
From Pizza Shop to Drug Empire
Born Antonios Sajih Mokbel in Kuwait in 1965, he and his Lebanese family immigrated to Australia when he was eight. Growing up in poverty in Melbourne's northern suburbs, Mokbel's early life laid the foundation for a future far removed from humble beginnings. What started with a job at his brother's pizza shop transformed within six years into the leadership of a multi-million dollar drug empire.
Early Crimes and the Greek Escape
Mokbel's criminal record began in the early 1980s with convictions for assault, threats, and weapons offences. A 1992 conviction for attempting to bribe a judge hinted at the lengths he'd go to protect his interests. His 1998 amphetamine manufacturing conviction foreshadowed greater challenges to come. In March 2006, while on bail for cocaine importation charges, Mokbel vanished. His eight-month hiding culminated in a daring escape to Greece via yacht and a cross-country drive.
Murder Charges, Convictions, and Appeals
While in Greece, Mokbel faced charges for the murders of gangland boss Lewis Moran and kickboxer Michael Marshall. Acquitted of the Moran murder, he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in 2011, receiving a 30-year sentence. The subsequent years were marked by legal challenges, notably involving his former barrister, Nicola Gobbo, who was revealed as a police informant. This revelation led to the quashing of his cocaine conviction in 2020, though his overall sentence was later revised to 26 years with a non-parole period of 20 years. In 2024, Justice Fullerton highlighted police and Gobbo's actions as a joint criminal enterprise to bring Mokbel down. Currently, he’s seeking bail pending further appeals, hoping for freedom after 18 years.
A Complex Legacy
Tony Mokbel's case remains a significant chapter in Australian crime history, highlighting the complexities of police investigations, legal representation, and the enduring power of organized crime. His ongoing legal battles continue to captivate public attention.
**SEO Title:** Tony Mokbel: Australia's Infamous Crime Boss **Meta Description:** The rise and fall (and rise?) of Tony Mokbel, one of Australia's most notorious crime figures. From humble beginnings to a multi-million-dollar drug empire, his story is one of daring escapes, murder charges, and ongoing legal battles. **Keywords:** Tony Mokbel, Australian crime, drug trafficking, Lewis Moran, Michael Marshall, Nicola Gobbo, Lawyer X, Greek escape, organised crime, amphetamines, cocaine, crime boss, Australian underworld, Victoria Police
