ICAC Hears $1,000 Offer to Media Over NSW Minister Affair 2026

In a startling revelation at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), a Liberal operative was allegedly offered $1,000 to persuade media outlets to cover a grubby rumour about a NSW minister's extramarital affair and breach of Covid-19 restrictions. The offer, made by a lawyer for fugitive property developer Jean Nassif, has thrust the anti-corruption watchdog's inquiry into the spotlight.

The Alleged Offer and Its Implications

Sharangan Maheswaran, a lawyer for Nassif, told ICAC that he offered Liberal operative Jeremy Greenwood $1,000 to place a story about former Liberal minister David Elliott. The message, which Maheswaran claimed was "not a serious offer," was shown to Greenwood with the explicit statement that he was "not joking." The allegation centers on an unsubstantiated claim of an extramarital affair and a breach of Covid-19 restrictions by Elliott.

Elliott has strongly rejected the allegations, and multiple witnesses have accepted there was no evidence to support them. The ICAC inquiry is investigating whether Liberal figures Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, and Charles Perrottet took $2 million in illegal donations from Nassif or his company, Toplace, in exchange for political outcomes.

Key Figures and Denials

Greenwood and Perrottet have denied that payments were for political outcomes, while Ellis has moved overseas and is not expected to give evidence. Nassif, appearing from his Beirut bedroom, insisted he was "not corrupt." The alleged outcomes include damage to the political career of Elliott, who had opposed Toplace developments.

The Broader ICAC Investigation

The ICAC inquiry is delving into whether the donations were made to influence political decisions, particularly to harm Elliott's career. The alleged plot to spread the affair rumour is just one piece of a larger puzzle that ICAC is piecing together. The commission is examining the connections between Nassif, his company Toplace, and prominent Liberal figures.

What This Means for NSW Politics

The allegations have sent shockwaves through NSW politics, raising questions about the integrity of political donations and the lengths to which individuals might go to influence political careers. The ICAC inquiry continues to uncover layers of alleged corruption that could have far-reaching consequences.

• Key Takeaway: A Liberal operative was allegedly offered $1,000 to push a rumour about a NSW minister's affair.
• Key Takeaway: ICAC is investigating $2 million in illegal donations from Jean Nassif to Liberal figures.
• Key Takeaway: The alleged plot aimed to damage David Elliott's career due to his opposition to Toplace developments.
• Key Takeaway: Multiple denials have been issued, and the inquiry is ongoing.

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