Tony Mokbel’s associate investigated over threats made against journalists
An associate of Tony Mokbel is being investigated in relation to threats made against journalists who recently reported on the underworld figure.
Police & Courts
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Police are investigating threats made against journalists who wrote articles about jailed drug lord Tony Mokbel.
Detectives within Victoria Police’s crime command are part of the probe.
The force confirmed the threats — from an aggrieved associate of the drug kingpin — related to the safety of journalists.
The threats were being taken seriously.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster told the Sunday Herald Sun: “Victoria Police can confirm it is investigating a report of a threat against journalists who have recently written articles relating to Tony Mokbel.
“Police are concerned that an associate of Mokbel’s may be seeking to harm reporters who have specifically written articles they have perceived as derogatory,’’ Ms Webster said.
“The threat is being taken seriously and the matter is being investigated by detectives from crime command.
“As the investigation remains ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
Mokbel has attracted widespread media attention amid revelations he is planning a bold attempt to be freed from jail due to the Lawyer X scandal and survived a stabbing at the maximum-security Barwon Prison in February last year.
Former Victoria Police chief commissioner Simon Overland has acknowledged barrister turned informant Nicola Gobbo was crucial in dismantling Mokbel’s drug empire.
The Sunday Herald Sun last year reported 54-year-old Mokbel had become a feared figure and unlikely peacekeeper behind bars, while his 2006 escape from Australia on a yacht before being arrested in Athens was one of the crime stories of the decade.
Mokbel has been living under the highest level of prison protection.
Inmates Teira Bennett and Eldea Teuira last month pleaded guilty to last year’s attack.
Anyone with information Is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000
or at crimestoppersvic.com.au