Why Tony Mokbel Net Worth? Crime Empire, Family, Bail Drama & Cultural Impact

Tony Mokbel remains one of Australia’s most infamous underworld figures. From humble beginnings in Melbourne’s suburbs to building a multimillion-dollar drug empire, his life story reads like a Hollywood screenplay — full of drama, crime, betrayal, and downfall. As of April 2025, Mokbel, now 59, continues to serve his prison sentence while making headlines again with a high-profile bail request.

Here’s an up-to-date and in-depth look at Tony Mokbel’s net worth, criminal empire, family life, recent legal developments, and his long-lasting influence on Australian culture.

Early Life: From Immigrant Struggles to Underworld Aspirations

Antonios Sajih Mokbel was born on August 11, 1965, in Kuwait, to Lebanese Christian parents. His family migrated to Australia in 1974 when Tony was just eight years old. Settling in Brunswick, Melbourne, the Mokbel family faced financial and social hardships. His father worked at a Ford factory, while his mother was employed at a meat factory.

Not knowing English and dealing with culture shock, Tony struggled in school. His life took a darker turn after the sudden death of his father when he was 16. The loss deeply affected him and pushed him toward petty crime, eventually leading to more serious offenses and a departure from conventional life paths.

Rise to Criminal Power: From Milk Bar to Drug Syndicate Kingpin

Mokbel’s early ventures included owning a milk bar and pizza shop with his brother — but these businesses served as fronts. Behind the scenes, he was expanding into the drug trade, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most sophisticated drug syndicates in Australian history.

By the late 1990s, he had established “The Company”, a major player in large-scale amphetamine trafficking. Between 1995 and 2001, his financial portfolio ballooned from just $82,706 to over $15 million. He acquired properties, luxury cars, and racehorses — all funded by an empire built on illicit drug distribution.

Net Worth in 2025: Criminal Wealth & Asset Trail

Despite his fall from grace, Tony Mokbel’s net worth is still estimated at $15 million as of 2025 — primarily through assets acquired before his incarceration. These included:

• Multiple properties across Melbourne
• Luxury vehicles
• Investments in racehorses
• Funds sourced from financial institutions like National Australia Bank

Although many of his assets were seized or frozen, some are still tied up in complex legal proceedings.

Legal Troubles & Imprisonment

Mokbel’s criminal career caught up with him in the early 2000s. In 2006, facing imminent conviction, he fled Australia while on bail. He was finally caught in Athens, Greece, in 2007 — famously wearing a black wig in disguise. His arrest made headlines around the world.

He was extradited to Australia and ultimately sentenced to 30 years in prison, later adjusted to 26 years with a minimum non-parole period until June 2031.

2025 Bail Application: A New Legal Twist

In April 2025, Mokbel made a surprise bid for bail, citing severe health issues and legal misconduct by his former lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, who was infamously exposed as a police informant. This revelation has tainted multiple convictions in Victoria’s justice system.

The bail application is supported by a $500,000 surety from his sister, Gawy Saad, while the prosecution strongly opposes release due to Mokbel’s history of absconding and the gravity of his crimes. The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision, with a ruling expected on April 4, 2025.

Family & Relationships

Tony Mokbel’s personal life is as complex as his criminal dealings. He married Carmel DeLorenzo in 1989, and the couple had two children — Sajih and Susan. Their relationship deteriorated as Mokbel’s criminal life intensified, leading to a separation in 2000 and divorce by 2006.

He later had a daughter, Renate, with Danielle McGuire, his partner at the time. Their relationship ended in 2007, shortly after his arrest in Greece. Though estranged from several family members, his siblings, especially Gawy, remain publicly supportive.

Infamous Moments & Cultural Legacy

Mokbel’s life has produced numerous headlines and even pop culture moments:

• In 1992, he was jailed for six months after attempting to bribe a judge — his first serious conviction.
• His Greek arrest while wearing a disguise wig has become legendary in Australian criminal history.
• He has been the inspiration for multiple TV portrayals, including the character of “Tony Mokbel” in the hit Australian crime drama Underbelly.

Despite no known charitable work, his impact on Australian society — legally, politically, and culturally — is undeniable.

Final Thoughts: Tony Mokbel’s Enduring Notoriety

In 2025, Tony Mokbel remains a powerful symbol of Australia’s underworld era. His empire, rise, and downfall encapsulate a critical chapter in the country’s criminal history. With a net worth still estimated at $15 million, legal proceedings continuing, and media coverage intensifying, Mokbel’s story is far from over.

As the Court of Appeal’s bail ruling looms, Australians are watching closely. Whether he walks free or remains behind bars, Tony Mokbel’s legacy continues to influence public discourse — not just about crime, but about justice, corruption, and redemption in modern Australia.