Icac Told Private Investigator Surveilled Liberal Minister 2026

In a stunning development at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac), a private investigator has testified that he was hired to surveil a Liberal minister and provided secret recording devices to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif. The testimony, given on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through New South Wales politics and raised serious questions about the intersection of private surveillance and political corruption.

The Allegations Against Liberal Figures

Icac is investigating allegations that prominent Liberal figures—Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, and Charles Perrottet—accepted $2 million in illegal donations from Jean Nassif or his company Toplace in exchange for political outcomes. The alleged outcomes include damaging the career of former NSW Liberal MP David Elliott, who opposed Toplace developments, and securing the removal of former building commissioner David Chandler, who was scrutinising defects in Toplace apartments.

Greenwood and Charles Perrottet have denied that any payments were made for political outcomes. Ellis has moved overseas and is not expected to give evidence. In an explosive appearance from his Beirut bedroom, Nassif insisted he was “not corrupt.”

Private Investigator's Testimony

Shane de Kauwe, a private investigator, told Icac that he installed a static camera on a building to record a person connected with David Elliott. He said he took instructions to surveil Elliott from Toplace lawyer and executive Sharangan Maheswaran, who he understood to be negatively disposed to the MP. “He didn’t like him,” de Kauwe said. He also claimed he was asked to investigate unsubstantiated allegations.

De Kauwe further revealed that he provided secret recording devices to Nassif. This testimony suggests a coordinated effort to gather compromising information on political figures, potentially to influence their decisions or damage their careers.

The Implications for NSW Politics

The allegations strike at the heart of political integrity in New South Wales. If proven, they could lead to serious consequences for those involved and erode public trust in the political process. The use of private investigators and secret recording devices to surveil elected officials is particularly alarming, as it undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.

Icac's investigation continues, with more witnesses expected to testify in the coming weeks. The commission's findings could have far-reaching implications for the Liberal Party and the broader political landscape in NSW.

Key Takeaways from the Icac Hearing

• Private investigator Shane de Kauwe testified that he surveilled a Liberal minister and supplied secret recording devices to Jean Nassif.
• Allegations of illegal donations totaling $2 million from Nassif to Liberal figures are at the center of the Icac inquiry.
• David Elliott and David Chandler were allegedly targeted for political damage due to their opposition to Toplace developments.
• Nassif denies corruption, while other key figures have also denied wrongdoing.

Comparison of Key Figures and Allegations

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