Short hearing ends decades‑long legal saga for Melbourne underworld figure
Melbourne — Tony Mokbel has been formally freed from the remaining criminal proceedings after the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to pursue a retrial for attempted drug trafficking. The Court of Appeal hearing this morning lasted under two minutes; the decision leaves Mokbel without bail conditions and clears the final tainted charge from his long-running cases.
The man widely described as a notorious drug lord was originally jailed for 26 years on drug offences. He was released on bail last year after the disclosure that his former lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, had secretly co-operated with Victoria Police — a revelation that tainted multiple convictions dating back about 20 years.
The Court of Appeal has reviewed three sets of charges linked to that period. In one matter it quashed a conviction and a 13‑year sentence. In a second, the court reduced the sentence to time already served while leaving the conviction intact. Today, the DPP confirmed it would not proceed with the third retrial, citing the prospects of conviction, likely delays and Mokbel’s age and health as decisive factors.
On the courthouse steps Mokbel spoke publicly for the first time since the revelations, describing the moment as a huge relief. He said life now “goes on” and that he hoped to travel overseas — something he’d longed for while behind bars.
"I do not regret anything."
When asked whether he regretted trafficking drugs, he answered bluntly that he did not. He declined to say whether he will seek compensation for the years he spent in custody; if he pursues damages, that would bring him back into court in a separate civil process.
Why this decision matters
The case underlines how the conduct of a single cooperating lawyer affected a string of prosecutions and prompted courts to re-examine convictions tied to that assistance. The Gobbo revelations led to a review of fairness and disclosure in prosecuting serious organised crime cases in Victoria.
For victims of organised crime and for the justice system, the outcomes are mixed: some convictions and sentences have been overturned or reduced, while others remain. The DPP’s exercise of discretion today balanced the evidential prospects against the practical obstacles of a delayed retrial and the defendant’s personal circumstances.
What comes next
Mokbel is free of criminal proceedings related to the tainted charges and has no bail conditions. He may choose to seek compensation for wrongful imprisonment; that would open a new, civil chapter to be decided in court. Otherwise, he has signalled plans to travel and to re‑enter life outside custody.
Meanwhile, the case continues to influence discussions about police use of informers, legal ethics, and appellate review of historic convictions.
Key points
- Hearing lasted less than two minutes; DPP will not retry Mokbel on the final attempted trafficking charge.
- One earlier conviction and a 13‑year sentence were quashed; another sentence was reduced to time served while the conviction remained.
- The decision not to retry cited prospects of conviction, expected delays, and Mokbel’s age and health.
- Mokbel spoke publicly outside court for the first time since the controversy and declined to say if he will seek compensation.
FAQs
Why did the DPP decide not to pursue a retrial?
The Director of Public Prosecutions cited the likelihood of securing a conviction, anticipated delays in bringing the matter to trial, and Tony Mokbel’s age and health when deciding not to proceed with a retrial.
Which convictions were overturned or changed?
The Court of Appeal quashed one conviction and a 13‑year sentence. In a separate matter the court reduced the sentence to time already served while the conviction remained. The final set of tainted charges will not be retried.
What role did Nicola Gobbo play in this saga?
Nicola Gobbo, a former lawyer who acted as a police informer, secretly co‑operated with Victoria Police. That collusion raised questions about the fairness of several prosecutions and prompted review and appeal of related convictions.
Will Tony Mokbel seek compensation?
Mokbel declined to answer whether he will pursue compensation. If he does, any civil claim would be heard separately and could result in a payout if wrongdoing is established and causation is proved.
What does this mean for the justice system?
The case has prompted scrutiny of informer management, disclosure obligations, and legal ethics. It highlights how misconduct or undisclosed co‑operation can undermine prosecutions and trigger broad appellate reviews.
