# ICAC Operation Rosny corruption inquiry

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-icac-operation-rosny-corruption-inquiry
> Updated: 2026-09-16T23:28:33.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is conducting Operation Rosny, an inquiry into allegations of bribery, blackmail, and illegal surveillance involving political figures and local government.

Initial proceedings focused on whether developer Jean Nassif provided funds to Liberal Party figures to influence factional work and facilitate the removal of former building commissioner David Chandler. The investigation noted friction between Chandler and Nassif’s company, Toplace, following a prohibition order issued by the commissioner due to serious building defects.

The inquiry has since expanded to examine the professional relationship between Nassif and former Strathfield Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran. Testimony has also addressed links to Liberal Party operative Jeremy Greenwood, who is a person of interest regarding allegations of sharing in a $2 million bribe from Nassif. The probe continues to investigate financial arrangements between lobbyists, political powerbrokers, and various local officials.

Recent developments have shifted focus toward a dispute within the Strathfield Council. Investigators are examining whether former councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene engaged in dishonest conduct, potential blackmail, or breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 to force former mayor Matthew Blackmore to resign. Testimony suggested a pressure campaign included planting a negative flyer on Blackmore’s vehicle.

Appearing via video link from Lebanon, Jean Nassif claimed that politicians and regulators committed corruption against him. However, he did not dispute assertions that he paid Liberal Party operatives to influence the unblocking of his real estate developments.

## Claims

- Mohammad Abedin testified that former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore did not appear distressed by the negative flyer planted on his car. (single source)
- The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating whether Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene engaged in dishonest conduct or breached public trust regarding Matthew Blackmore. (single source)
- The ICAC inquiry is examining potential blackmail and possible breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. (single source)
- Property developer Jean Nassif claimed that politicians and regulators committed acts of corruption against him. (single source)
- Jean Nassif admitted to paying Liberal Party operatives to use their influence to unblock his property developments. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: ICAC Operation Rosny investigates Strathfield Council and Jean Nassif

The ICAC's Operation Rosny inquiry is investigating potential corruption in Strathfield Council and testimony from developer Jean Nassif regarding payments to political operatives.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icac-investigates-allegations-of-blackmail-against-former-strathfield-mayor

### 2026-08-26: ICAC Operation Rosny investigates political funding allegations

The ICAC is investigating allegations that developer Jean Nassif funded Liberal Party figures to influence political outcomes and remove former building commissioner David Chandler from office.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icac-operation-rosny-investigates-political-funding-allegations

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Cite as: ICAC Operation Rosny corruption inquiry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-icac-operation-rosny-corruption-inquiry