CRIME STOPPERS WORLD HUNT FOR AUSTRALIAN FUGITIVE – GOVERNMENT OFFERS $1million REWARD
Where is Antonious (Tony) Sajih MOKBEL.
MOKBEL is wanted for absconding from bail in April 2006 whilst awaiting sentence for major cocaine trafficking for which he received a nine year prison sentence in his absence. There is also a recent warrant for his arrest in relation to the brutal murder of an underworld opponent.
The $1million (AU$) reward for information leading to the arrest of MOKBEL has been posted by the Victorian Government in Australia . It is not connected to or the responsibility of Crime Stoppers and is completely independent of the Crime Stoppers program.
MOKBEL, a native of Lebanon and born in 1965 is described as being 175 centimetres tall and of solid build, with black balding hair, brown eyes and an olive complexion. He may be in the company of his girlfriend 34-year-old Danielle McGUIRE, who is described as being of slim build, 162 centimetres tall, with hazel eyes, brown or dyed hair and a fair to tanned complexion. McGUIRE may seek employment in the hairdressing industry.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland said, “MOKBEL is a fugitive, we hunt fugitives and bring them to justice, if we have to pay to break the criminal code of silence, then so be it”
The $1million reward, believed to be the highest ever posted for a fugitive from the state of Victoria in Australia , is hoped to bring results for investigating police. Overland added, “Rewards can undermine the criminal sanctuary in terms of who amongst their associates a criminal can continue to trust.”
MOKBEL played a lead role in a criminal organisation that became embroiled in a vicious gang war which, over a three year period, left twenty three (23) gang members dead. Many of those left standing among the warring factions have since been arrested by an elite Victoria Police task force, code named Purana.
Purana boss Detective Inspector Jim O'Brien said, “We've locked up most of these gangsters, MOKBEL is still the number one target left on our wanted list and we are confident that we will get him too”.
The MOKBEL initiative was developed by Victoria Crime Stoppers in consultation with Victoria Police and endorsed by Crime Stoppers Australia.
Crime Stoppers Australia Chairman Peter Price said the Victoria Police use of Crime Stoppers in its search for MOKBEL was again showing faith in the ability of the program to cooperate on a global scale.
“As I have said before, this is not just about getting information, it is also seen as an important example of the practical benefits of networking,” Mr Price said.
There are Crime Stoppers programs operating in every Australian state and territory. All share the national website www.crimestoppers.com.au .
Globally, Crime Stoppers' tips have led to the arrest of more than 640,000 criminals, the clearing of over 1,000,000 cases and the recovery of narcotics and property valued in excess of $6 billion (US$).
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of MOKBEL is asked to contact their local police or via Share crime information which can be entered on line directly into the Victorian Crime Stoppers website at www.vic.crimestoppers.com.au
Contact List:
Detective Inspector Jim O'Brien Detective Senior Sergeant Val Smith Purana Task Force Crime Stoppers Coordinator (Victoria) Victoria Police Victoria Police
Tel: 61 3 9865 5171 Tel: 61 3 9865 2122 Mob: 0417 546 694
Mob: 0418 384 333
