Mafia figure Frank Madafferi could be deported to Italy as early as next month even though a court has not yet ruled whether his conviction for drug trafficking should be overturned amid allegations it was tainted by his solicitor Joseph Acquaros work as a police informer.
Australian Border Force has begun preparations to expel the reputed senior member of the Calabrian Honoured Society, or Ndrangheta, when he becomes eligible for parole in August. The now 60-year-old has served seven years of a decade-long sentence for his role in one of the largest ecstasy trafficking syndicates in Australian history.
Frank Madafferi could be expelled from Australia.Credit:Paul Rovere
Madafferis 2014 conviction, which is now under appeal, is the basis for the deportation order Border Force plans to execute on the day he is released from prison.
The Court of Appeal heard on Friday that Madafferi could be expelled from Australia in less than three weeks, well before the court could hear his case.
Border Force have asked questions of Mr Madaferri about his potential accommodation and support networks in Italy and preference as to flights, his barrister Catherine Boston said.
Ms Boston alleged Victoria Police and the Victorian Government Solicitors Office (VGSO) were well aware of the looming deportation but had caused repeated delays to his appeal by withholding documents about Mr Acquaro until the last minute and changing or recalling materials without notice or explanation.
[Madafferi] was a victim of Victoria Polices reprehensible conduct in using his solicitor Pino Acquaro as a police informer and he continues to be a victim of Victoria Polices cavalier attitude to its positive and ongoing duty of disclosure … with respect to provision of materials relevant to his appeal, she said.
Mr Madafferi, due to the delay on account of the conduct of VGSO and Chief Commissioner of Police, could well be removed from the country before his appeal is heard They are aware he is subject to deportation to Italy.