Tony Mokbel is a well-known figure in the Australian criminal underworld, infamous for his involvement in drug trafficking and organized crime. His name has been synonymous with Melbourne’s underworld wars and high-profile legal battles. This article provides an in-depth look at Tony Mokbel’s life, including his background, legal troubles, and personal life.
Wiki & Biography
Tony Mokbel was born Antonios Sajih Mokbel in Kuwait on August 11, 1965. His family later migrated to Australia, where he became a central figure in the country’s criminal landscape. Mokbel made a name for himself as a drug kingpin, operating extensive narcotics networks in Melbourne. He was heavily involved in organized crime, and his activities led to multiple legal confrontations.
Mokbel gained national attention as part of Melbourne’s notorious underworld scene, particularly during the gangland wars, which were dramatized in the hit TV series Underbelly (2008). His criminal empire extended beyond Australia, leading to international law enforcement efforts to capture him.
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Age, Nationality, and Ethnicity
As of 2025, Tony Mokbel age is 59 years old. He holds Australian nationality, having immigrated from Kuwait at a young age. His ethnicity is Lebanese, as his family originates from Lebanon.
Married Life & Wife
Tony Mokbel was married to his wife Carmel DeLorenzo in 1989 and had two children together: Sajih and Susan. Tony Mokbel and his ex-wife Carmel DeLorenzo worked alongside each other in Mokbel’s milk bar and later at his pizza restaurant.
Tony Mokbel and Carmel DeLorenzo’s marriage ended in separation in 2000, and their divorce was finalized in 2006. Following their separation, Mokbel entered into a relationship with Danielle McGuire, with whom he had another child.
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Arrest, Legal Battles, and Release Date
As of April 4, 2025, Tony Mokbel has been granted bail by the Victorian Court of Appeal and released from prison. This decision comes after nearly 18 years of incarceration, following revelations from the ‘Lawyer X’ scandal involving his former lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, who was simultaneously acting as a police informant.
Mokbel was first convicted in Australia on drug trafficking charges in 2006 but managed to flee the country while on bail. He escaped to Greece, where he lived under an alias until Greek authorities arrested him in 2007. Following a lengthy extradition process, he was returned to Australia in 2008, where he faced multiple criminal charges.
In 2012, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking and organized crime activities. However, in 2022, a major legal controversy arose when a High Court ruling found that his previous conviction might have been compromised due to misconduct by law enforcement. As a result, some of his charges were reviewed, leading to speculation about an early release.
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Net Worth
Before his arrest, Tony Mokbel amassed significant wealth through illegal drug operations. Authorities estimated his net worth to be in the millions, with assets spread across properties, offshore accounts, and hidden investments. Estimates suggest that his net worth before his arrest was over $20 million, but currently, his financial status remains uncertain. Much of his fortune was seized by law enforcement agencies over the years.
Stay tuned for more updates on this case and other high-profile criminal stories.
