Statement on Mokbel retrial decision

On 3 October 2025, the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction of Antonios Mokbel on a charge of incitement to import a prohibited import in 2005. The investigation into this matter was known as ‘Operation Orbital’.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has determined not to conduct a retrial of Mr Mokbel for this offending.

This decision was reached after careful consideration of all aspects of the matter relevant to the prospects of conviction and the public interest in a retrial.

Issues of particular significance included likely ongoing delays, the age of the alleged offending, the fact that there was no actual importation, and the likely sentence to be imposed upon conviction given Mr Mokbel’s age, health, and the lengthy term of imprisonment already served.

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