Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been granted bail by the Court of Appeal after being locked up for nearly 18 years for drug trafficking. His legal team argues that his prosecution has been tainted by the Lawyer X scandal. Mokbel will have to follow strict conditions, including not using a smart phone or encrypted apps, and not contacting anyone living overseas. He will also be fitted with a GPS ankle monitoring device, subject to an 8pm to 6am curfew, and must report daily to the police. Private bail company Allied Universal in New Zealand will monitor his movements around the clock for a cost of more than $25,000 a year.
Upon the court’s decision, Mokbel was led from the Court of Appeal to have his surety paperwork processed and the ankle bracelet fitted before he could officially be released. A group of supporters in court lobby smiled and hugged after the news. The prosecution argued that Mokbel’s flight risk was not low, pointing out that the last time he was free, he fled Australia hidden inside a 17-meter yacht. These concerns led to the decision to impose strict conditions on his release.
The 59-year-old Mokbel, known as the mastermind of the drug trafficking operation The Company, will have to abide by the conditions set by the Court of Appeal to ensure he does not flee again. He will be closely monitored by the private bail company Allied Universal, who will charge more than $25,000 a year for their services. Mokbel’s release comes after nearly 18 years in custody, both overseas and in Barwon Prison, for his involvement in drug trafficking. His freedom is seen as a significant development in a case marred by corruption allegations.
Mokbel’s legal team has been fighting to have him released on bail, arguing that his prosecution has been tainted by the Lawyer X scandal. Despite concerns about his potential flight risk, the Court of Appeal decided to grant him bail with strict conditions. Mokbel will not be allowed to use a smart phone or encrypted apps, contact anyone living overseas, or stray outside his curfew hours. He will have to report to the police daily and wear a GPS ankle monitoring device to track his movements at all times.
The decision to grant Tony Mokbel bail has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing relief that he will finally be free after nearly two decades in custody, while others are concerned about the potential risks. His supporters in court lobby were visibly happy, but the prosecution raised concerns about his history of fleeing the country. The monitoring of Mokbel’s movements by Allied Universal will be a crucial aspect of ensuring that he complies with the conditions set by the Court of Appeal. As Mokbel prepares to walk free for the first time in 18 years, all eyes will be on how he navigates his new-found freedom and compliance with the law.
