Operation Rosny LIVE updates: Strathfield real estate agent Mohammad Abedin to give evidence, ICAC turns to Strathfield Council allegations
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has expanded its Operation Rosny inquiry to include allegations against Strathfield council members, with real‑estate agent Mohammad Abedin set to testify. The probe, already touching Liberal Party powerbrokers and fugitive developer Jean Nassif,…
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has broadened its Operation Rosny inquiry to focus on alleged misconduct within the Strathfield council. The probe, which began over a month ago, has already called former Liberal Party leaders, former mayors and the fugitive property developer Jean Nassif to give evidence. Today’s hearings will see real‑estate agent Mohammad Abedin, a former colleague of former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore, testify on accusations of blackmail and illegal surveillance involving council members.
Operation Rosny: From Liberal Powerbrokers to Local Council
Operation Rosny began as a corruption investigation targeting high‑profile Liberal Party figures. Over the past 30 days, ICAC has heard from several key witnesses, including former Premier Dominic Perrottet’s sister‑in‑law, who allegedly received a payment of $660,699 from lobbying firm Beckington, run by Christian Ellis. The inquiry also scrutinised the financial dealings of Jeremy Greenwood, who faced accusations of manufacturing evidence related to Anita Perrottet’s work.
While the early days of the inquiry focused on state‑level politics, the commission’s scope has since expanded to include the Catholic school system and, most recently, the Strathfield council. The council’s involvement was revealed when ICAC received allegations that councillors engaged in blackmail and illegal surveillance to influence local decisions.
Key Witnesses and Their Allegations
- Jeremy Greenwood – Accused of fabricating evidence about Anita Perrottet’s work and of having a financial arrangement with Charles Perrottet that allegedly involved $2 million from Jean Nassif. Greenwood denies any such arrangement and claims that Perrottet was paid for genuine services.
- Anita Perrottet – A former councilor who allegedly received payments for work that was never documented. ICAC questioned her role in providing a “mum’s perspective” on vaping to the commission.
- Mohammad Abedin – A real‑estate agent who worked closely with former mayor Matthew Blackmore. Abedin is expected to testify about alleged blackmail and surveillance practices within the council.
- Jean Nassif – The fugitive property developer at the center of the inquiry. Nassif’s financial dealings with Greenwood and Beckington have been a focal point of the investigation.
What the Inquiry Reveals About Corruption in Strathfield
ICAC’s latest findings suggest a network of illicit payments and influence peddling that extends from state politics into local governance. The commission has highlighted the lack of written agreements for large payments to Greenwood from Beckington, and the sudden appearance of invoices worth nearly $1 million sent to Toplace in a single day. Both Beckington and Greenwood’s other company, JPG Advisory, are listed as creditors in the collapse of Toplace, claiming $1.4 million and $721,700 respectively. Greenwood insists he was unaware of these claims and never filed any creditor forms.
These revelations raise serious questions about the integrity of Strathfield’s decision‑making processes. If council members are indeed involved in blackmail and surveillance, the trust of residents in their local government is at stake. ICAC’s continued scrutiny aims to uncover the full extent of these allegations and hold those responsible accountable.
Next Steps in the ICAC Investigation
The commission will now hear evidence from Mohammad Abedin and other witnesses who can shed light on the alleged misconduct within Strathfield council. ICAC’s counsel, Dr Peggy Dwyer, SC, has urged that the evidence presented must form a coherent narrative, warning against “stitching up” evidence that could mislead the inquiry.
As the investigation progresses, the public can expect further updates on the outcomes of these hearings. The ICAC remains committed to uncovering the truth behind the alleged corruption and ensuring that any wrongdoing is brought to light.
Why This Matters to Strathfield Residents
The alleged misconduct threatens the transparency and accountability of local governance. Residents rely on their council to make fair decisions that affect community services, infrastructure, and local development. If council members are found to have engaged in blackmail or illegal surveillance, it undermines public confidence and could lead to significant legal and political repercussions.
Why it matters
The investigation exposes potential corruption at the heart of local governance, threatening public trust and the integrity of decision‑making processes in Strathfield.
Key points
- ICAC’s Operation Rosny now includes Strathfield council allegations of blackmail and surveillance
- Real‑estate agent Mohammad Abedin will testify on council misconduct
- Jeremy Greenwood faces accusations of manufacturing evidence and financial ties to Jean Nassif
- Anita Perrottet’s alleged payments lack documentation
- The inquiry highlights a network of illicit payments involving Beckington and Toplace
- ICAC seeks a coherent narrative to avoid misleading evidence
Frequently asked questions
What is Operation Rosny?
Operation Rosny is an ICAC investigation into alleged corruption involving Liberal Party figures, former mayors, and the fugitive property developer Jean Nassif.
Who is Mohammad Abedin?
Mohammad Abedin is a real‑estate agent who worked with former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore and is set to testify on alleged blackmail and surveillance within the council.
What allegations involve the Strathfield council?
Allegations include blackmail, illegal surveillance, and financial misconduct by council members.
What is the next step in the inquiry?
ICAC will hear evidence from Mohammad Abedin and other witnesses to clarify the extent of the alleged misconduct.
