Full Breakdown
Operation Rosny: ICAC probes alleged blackmail, surveillance and illegal political donations in NSW
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – ICAC hearings expose alleged corruption and intimidation
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is conducting “Operation Rosny,” a series of public hearings into two linked sets of allegations. Former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore says he was blackmailed, surveilled and had his children secretly recorded for five months after refusing to step down. Fugitive developer Jean Nassif testified from Beirut that he provided $2 million in prohibited donations to Liberal-aligned operatives in exchange for political outcomes, including attempts to remove former police minister David Elliott and former building commissioner David Chandler.
Background & Context – political rivalry and developer collapse
In 2022 Blackmore signed a “handshake” agreement to split the mayoralty with Labor councillor Karen Pensabene, planning to resign midway through his term. He reneged in January 2023, after which Maheswaran and Pensabene allegedly intensified pressure, distributing defamatory flyers and covertly recording his family.
Jean Nassif’s construction firm Toplace collapsed in 2023 following a 2021 prohibition order. The failure left roughly 20,000 homeowners in 20 buildings facing more than 40 serious defects and left the company and its affiliates with about $2 billion in debts.
Key Figures & Groups
- Matthew Blackmore – former independent mayor of Strathfield.
- Sharangan Maheswaran – former Strathfield councillor.
- Karen Pensabene – current Strathfield councillor.
- Jean Nassif – fugitive developer of Toplace.
- Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis – lobbyists at Beckington.
- Charles Perrottet – Liberal powerbroker.
- David Elliott – former police minister.
- David Chandler – former building commissioner.
- Fabian Gleeson – ICAC assistant commissioner.
Timeline
- 2022 – Blackmore signs handshake agreement.
- January 2023 – Blackmore announces he will stay on as mayor.
- December 2022 – Nassif flees Australia.
- 2023 – Toplace collapses; building commissioner issues prohibition order.
- 20 Aug 2026 – David Elliott appears before ICAC.
- 14 Sep 2026 – Nassif gives video-link testimony from Beirut.
- 15 Sep 2026 – Blackmore testifies, describing secret recording.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged prohibited donations: $2 million channeled through Beckington to Greenwood, Ellis and Perrottet.
- Nassif reportedly siphoned $10 million to Lebanon.
- Toplace’s debts: $1.6 billion (administrators) and $2 billion (other reports).
- Approximately 20,000 homeowners affected.
- Blackmore says his family was recorded for five months.
- Pensabene allegedly prepared 20,000 attack flyers.
Why It Matters – implications for NSW Liberal Party and public trust
If substantiated, the allegations could show systematic use of illegal donations to influence council appointments and state-level outcomes, and raise concerns about intimidation tactics within party ranks. Both strands threaten confidence in NSW’s political and regulatory institutions.
Official Statements & Responses
ICAC assistant commissioner Fabian Gleeson emphasized that “the purpose of this inquiry is to get to the truth of certain allegations.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wanted to draw a line in the sand: I'm not working with you people after what you did,” — Matthew Blackmore.
- “I hold 50 per cent of the power of this government now. More, 51, 52 per cent,” — Jean Nassif.
- “I can’t go to sleep without checking my house is locked,” — Matthew Blackmore.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Debt figures for Toplace differ: administrators cite $1.6 billion, while other sources report $2 billion.
- Nassif’s statements alternately claim he did not pay Charles Perrottet, yet other testimony suggests Perrottet encouraged payments to Greenwood and Ellis. The inquiry has not yet resolved these contradictions.