Full Breakdown
ICAC Probe Reveals $134,000 Surveillance Scheme Targeting Strathfield Mayor
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Alleged illegal surveillance and blackmail of Mayor Matthew Blackmore
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) concluded its public hearings into “Operation Rosny,” examining whether former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene breached the Surveillance Devices Act to force Matthew Blackmore to resign as mayor of Strathfield. Evidence showed Maheswaran hired private investigator Shane De Kauwe to photograph and audio-record Blackmore in 2022-2023, with the work invoiced to developer Jean Nassif’s company Toplace.
Background & Context: Political rivalry and developer influence
Toplace, founded by developer Jean Nassif, paid the surveillance bill after Maheswaran argued the operation had “tangential” links to the developer and that he was owed money by another firm linked to Nassif. The pressure campaign coincided with a deal in which Blackmore was expected to step down in exchange for Pensabene’s appointment as mayor—a deal Blackmore later reneged on.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sharangan Maheswaran – former Strathfield Labor councillor, alleged orchestrator.
- Karen Pensabene – former councillor, alleged participant.
- Matthew Blackmore – former mayor, surveillance target.
- Jean Nassif – developer whose company funded the investigation.
- Shane De Kauwe – private investigator who supplied covert devices.
- Peggy Dwyer SC – counsel assisting ICAC.
Timeline
- 2022 – Maheswaran contracts De Kauwe; invoices later total $134,000.
- Early 2023 – Blackmore meets Maheswaran and Pensabene; agrees to resign after a further meeting.
- January 2023 – Maheswaran distributes thousands of negative flyers about Blackmore and discusses “menacing” messages with Pensabene.
- Late 2025–2026 – ICAC conducts ten weeks of public hearings, culminating in the final day of Operation Rosny.
Data & Statistics
- $134,000 invoiced for surveillance equipment and services.
- 6,000 flyers printed and distributed across the council area.
- Multiple covert devices supplied, including a recording pen and a tag-like “little square.”
Official Statements & Responses
Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer emphasized that the commission was assessing whether Maheswaran and Pensabene breached the Surveillance Devices Act and engaged in blackmail. Maheswaran denied wrongdoing, claiming he only sought “legal advice” after learning recordings might have been made and that any recordings were lawful when criminality was suspected. He said his intent was to “publicly oppose” Blackmore rather than threaten him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Recording responsibility – Maheswaran told the commission he did not make recordings himself, attributing audio capture to De Kauwe’s initiative. De Kauwe testified he began recording after receiving Maheswaran’s legal advice, suggesting earlier awareness.
- Awareness of surveillance – Text messages show Blackmore told Pensabene his children had been secretly recorded, yet Maheswaran denied ever informing Blackmore that his family was under surveillance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The next line of that song, as we all know, is: ‘I’ll be watching you,’” — Peggy Dwyer
- “Fuck him. He forced me to do this,” — Sharangan Maheswaran
What’s Next: Report due within 180 days
ICAC commissioner Fabian Gleeson, SC, has set a “standard time frame” of 180 days after the final submissions for a report to be tabled before the NSW Parliament. The findings will determine whether Maheswaran, Pensabene, De Kauwe or Toplace face charges related to illegal surveillance, blackmail or breaches of political donation rules.