Nicola Gobbo, also known as “Lawyer X,” is a former lawyer from Australia. She gained attention because she worked as a lawyer for criminals while also giving information to the police. This has caused a lot of controversy and questions about her actions.
Nicola Gobbo, aged 48 and niece of former Victorian governor Sir James Gobbo, became one of the youngest women admitted to the bar in 1998. Known for her legal prowess, she gained prominence during Melbourne’s gangland era in the early 2000s, representing notorious figures like the late gangster Carl Williams and drug kingpin Tony Mokbel.
In addition to her legal work, Gobbo also served as a police informant, operating under the registration number 3838. She provided law enforcement with information about her criminal associates, including many who were either former or current clients.
Where is Nicola Gobbo?
We don’t know where Nicola Gobbo is right now. She bravely came back to Australia last year to help with an important investigation, even though the police warned her not to. But then she became worried about her safety and her kids’ safety.
Since she came back, she’s been staying out of sight, trying not to attract any attention. Her trip back to Australia was kept secret, and she had to be really careful not to be found out. There are signs that people might be watching her and interfering with her communication.
Now, her main concern seems to be keeping herself and her kids safe. She’s decided to hide away, showing how serious the situation is and the dangers she might be facing. So, we don’t know where she is, and even her lawyer and the public are clueless about her location.
The Nicola Gobbo, Lawyer X Scandal Explained
In March 2019, the shocking revelation emerged that Nicola Gobbo, a former barrister involved in gangland cases, had been acting as a police informant, sparking an unprecedented legal scandal. This revelation not only rocked the foundations of Victoria’s criminal justice system but also cast doubt on numerous convictions secured by Victoria Police.
The scandal unfolded clandestinely over almost a decade, veiled in secrecy through suppression orders. Eventually, the Director of Public Prosecutions determined that Gobbo’s former clients deserved to be informed of her potential betrayal, breaching her duties as their legal representative.
Victoria Police fiercely contested to keep Gobbo’s identity concealed from the public eye, engaging in protracted legal battles that culminated in a landmark High Court ruling in December 2018. The court deemed Victoria Police’s utilization of Gobbo as an informant as “reprehensible” and acknowledged its detrimental impact on prosecutions.
In response to the mounting controversy, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews launched a royal commission to scrutinize the police’s management of Gobbo and other informers, thrusting the saga into the spotlight.
Following extensive media coverage and significant financial expenditures, coupled with the release of two convicted criminals and numerous appeals lodged, the royal commission has now delivered its conclusive findings.
So, what precisely transpired in the Nicola Gobbo scandal? What revelations have emerged since her exposure? And what repercussions might ensue in its aftermath?
What will happen to Nicola Gobbo?
The future of Ms. Gobbo remains uncertain, as her whereabouts are unknown, complicating any potential legal proceedings against her. Additionally, the possibility of criminal charges against her remains unclear.
Moreover, there is speculation that Ms. Gobbo may initiate further legal action against Victoria Police. In her previous lawsuit in 2010, she sought $20 million in compensation and ultimately received a settlement of $2.88 million after the exposure of her double life.
Ms. Gobbo’s role shifted from informant to witness in a case involving the murders of police informant Hodson and his wife Christine. Recent reports indicate that she has already engaged legal representation for new civil action.
