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Australia fugitive in Greek court Australia fugitive in Greek court
(about 3 hours later)
One of Australia's most wanted fugitives has said he will fight extradition from Greece to face murder and drug charges in Australia.One of Australia's most wanted fugitives has said he will fight extradition from Greece to face murder and drug charges in Australia.
Tony Mokbel was arrested in the Greek capital, Athens, on Tuesday, after spending 15 months on the run.Tony Mokbel was arrested in the Greek capital, Athens, on Tuesday, after spending 15 months on the run.
In 2006, the alleged gang member was sentenced to nine years' jail on drug trafficking after escaping Australia.In 2006, the alleged gang member was sentenced to nine years' jail on drug trafficking after escaping Australia.
Mr Mokbel was detained in Athens on an international arrest warrant and charges of holding a false passport.Mr Mokbel was detained in Athens on an international arrest warrant and charges of holding a false passport.
Greek police said Mr Mokbel, 42, was "one of the most internationally wanted persons for serious narcotics and homicide cases".Greek police said Mr Mokbel, 42, was "one of the most internationally wanted persons for serious narcotics and homicide cases".
Reward 'surprise'Reward 'surprise'
As Mr Mokbel faced court in Athens for allegedly holding a false passport, his lawyer, Yiannis Vlachos, said his client would not agree to be extradited to Australia.As Mr Mokbel faced court in Athens for allegedly holding a false passport, his lawyer, Yiannis Vlachos, said his client would not agree to be extradited to Australia.
Extraditions can be speeded up if a suspect agrees to the request. If they refuse, the process can take years.Extraditions can be speeded up if a suspect agrees to the request. If they refuse, the process can take years.
Mr Mokbel also denied any link to the 2004 murder of Lewis Moran, a rival underworld figure from Australian second largest city, Melbourne.Mr Mokbel also denied any link to the 2004 murder of Lewis Moran, a rival underworld figure from Australian second largest city, Melbourne.
He was charged with Mr Moran's murder while still on the run in February 2007. He claims the charge is part of a "conspiracy of Australian police" to bring him home to Melbourne.He was charged with Mr Moran's murder while still on the run in February 2007. He claims the charge is part of a "conspiracy of Australian police" to bring him home to Melbourne.
Mr Mokbel (R) says the murder charge against him is a 'conspiracy'Mr Mokbel (R) says the murder charge against him is a 'conspiracy'
Australian Federal Police said the government had 45 days from the date of Mr Mokbel's arrest to lodge a formal extradition arrest request to Greece.Australian Federal Police said the government had 45 days from the date of Mr Mokbel's arrest to lodge a formal extradition arrest request to Greece.
Australian officials had offered a $1 million reward offered for his capture. Australian officials had offered a $AU1m (£426,700) reward offered for his capture.
Mr Vlachos said Mr Mokbel "was shocked" when told of the bounty.Mr Vlachos said Mr Mokbel "was shocked" when told of the bounty.
Mr Mokbel - known as Fat Tony in Australia - faces a maximum sentence of five years' jail in Greece if found guilty of entering the country using false documents.Mr Mokbel - known as Fat Tony in Australia - faces a maximum sentence of five years' jail in Greece if found guilty of entering the country using false documents.
Moran's death came during a simmering underworld feud in Melbourne that left 28 people dead over 10 years.Moran's death came during a simmering underworld feud in Melbourne that left 28 people dead over 10 years.