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ICAC Operation Rosny: Blackmore alleges blackmail as Nassif testifies from Lebanon
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Operation Rosny inquiry has seen significant testimony from former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore and fugitive developer Jean Nassif.
Blackmore testified that he was subjected to a campaign of pressure and surveillance by former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene. He alleged this followed his decision not to honor a 2022 power-sharing agreement to hand the mayoralty to a Labor representative. Blackmore claimed Maheswaran threatened that he would not ‘get away with crossing’ him and that flyers containing personal information were distributed on his vehicle.
Jean Nassif, who is wanted in Australia on fraud charges, provided evidence via video link from his bedroom in Beirut, Lebanon. Nassif denied paying for specific political outcomes, though he admitted to offering millions of dollars to Liberal Party operatives to facilitate project approvals. He characterized these payments as a means to defend his business and dignity against opponents such as former police minister David Elliott and building commissioner David Chandler.
Entities
Beirut · David Elliott · Independent Commission Against Corruption · Jean Nassif · Karen Pensabene · Matthew Blackmore · Operation Rosny · Strathfield Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Jean Nassif testified via video link from Beirut, Lebanon. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matthew Blackmore admitted he did not always plan on honouring agreements made with Strathfield Council colleagues. www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matthew Blackmore alleged a blackmail plot and surveillance campaign following a broken power-sharing agreement. www.perthnow.com.au · www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jean Nassif stated that offering millions of dollars to Liberal Party operatives could move mountains for project approvals. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jean Nassif denied paying for political outcomes, claiming he paid to defend his business and honour. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.smh.com.au