Toplace paid $134,000 for surveillance of Strathfield mayor, ICAC told

Why This Matters

• The evidence raises questions about whether a property developer's money was used to fund surveillance of an elected official, and whether state political figures were involved in a campaign against a local mayor.
• The inquiry will test whether the actions of two Labor councillors crossed a line into blackmail or unlawful surveillance, with potential implications for public trust in local government.
• The outcome could affect Toplace's business interests and the political futures of those involved.

Background

ICAC is an independent body that investigates corruption in the NSW public sector. Operation Rosny is examining the conduct of Strathfield councillors, including allegations relating to the pressure campaign against the former mayor. Public hearings feature evidence from council and business figures, with the current phase focused on how the surveillance invoices came to be paid.

Key Perspectives

Sharangan Maheswaran: He maintains the surveillance had only a "tangential" link to Nassif, and that Toplace paid because he was already owed money, framing the arrangement as a business matter rather than a favour to him. ICAC: The commission is probing whether Maheswaran and Pensabene's actions amounted to blackmail or breaches of surveillance laws, focusing on their conduct as serving councillors. Ashlyn Nassif and Toplace: Evidence suggests she originally treated the payment as Maheswaran's personal expense, which could indicate the company resisted footing the bill until convinced otherwise.

What to Watch

• Whether further witnesses, including Toplace executives, corroborate or contradict Maheswaran's account of why the invoices were paid.
• Any documents, emails or text messages that may reveal who authorised the surveillance and what the intended purpose was.
• The commission's final report and whether it makes findings of corrupt conduct against those involved.