Aussie fugitive taken to court
One of Australia’s most wanted men appeared in court yesterday after being formally charged with possessing a forged passport and is being investigated by Greek authorities for other possible illegal activity. Tony Mokbel, known as «Fat Tony,» fled Australia in March 2006 during his trial for drug trafficking, murder and money laundering. He was later convicted in absentia of cocaine trafficking and was sentenced to at least nine years in prison. Mokbel was arrested in the coastal suburb of Glyfada on Tuesday by Greek narcotics squad officers working with Australian police. Mokbel was sporting stubble and a moustache in a mug shot released by police but was wearing a wig at the time of his arrest. Greek judicial authorities are expected to consider an Australian request for Mokbel’s extradition in a separate court session today. Any extradition ruling must be approved by Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras.
