Greece extradites 'Australia's most-wanted' fugitive

A man said to be Australia’s most-wanted fugitive was being extradited from Greece today.

Police put 41-year-old Tony Mokbel into a van at Korydallos prison, Athens, bound for the airport, where he was boarding a specially-chartered jet for Australia.

Mokbel faces trial for alleged drug trafficking and murder in Australia. When he was arrested near Athens last summer while living under a false identity, Australian media had described him as the country’s most-wanted fugitive.

Greek justice minister Sotiris Hadjigakis approved Australia’s extradition request on May 7 following a months-long legal battle.

Mokbel has insisted he would not face a fair trial in Australia, arguing that government officials there have spoken publicly of his guilt before he was given a chance to present his case in court.

Mokbel was arrested on an Interpol warrant after skipping bail in 2006 while on trial in Australia for cocaine smuggling. He was later sentenced in absentia for to up to 12 years in prison.