Private investigator says fugitive developer wanted to look into enemies

In short:

A private investigator has told the state's corruption watchdog he was hired by fugitive developer Jean Nassif to look into his enemies.

Shane De Kauwe told ICAC on Tuesday he was hired to investigate former police minister David Elliott and broadcaster Ray Hadley.

The inquiry was told Nassif's property empire Toplace footed the bill for one of Mr De Kauwe's probes to the tune of $134,000.

Fugitive property developer Jean Nassif asked a private investigator to look into broadcaster Ray Hadley and former Liberal minister David Elliott, the NSW corruption watchdog has heard.

Former Australian Federal Police officer Shane De Kauwe, who is now a private investigator, told the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) he received instructions from former Toplace lawyer and Strathfield councillor Sharangan Maheswaran to investigate Mr Elliott and others.

Mr De Kauwe said Mr Nassif later asked him to investigate Mr Hadley, Mr Elliott and former NSW building commissioner David Chandler after Mr Nassif fled to Lebanon.

The investigator said he relayed Mr Nassif's requests to Mr Maheswaran, but they decided not to proceed with the proposed investigations.

The inquiry is examining allegations that prohibited political donations linked to Mr Nassif were exchanged for political favours, including removing Mr Chandler as building commissioner and damaging Mr Elliott's career.

When asked why Mr Nassif wanted Mr Chandler investigated, Mr De Kauwe said that Mr Nassif "hated him".

Mr Chandler, Mr Elliott and Mr Hadley have not been accused of wrongdoing.

Mr Nassif, who fled Australia in 2022, gave evidence to the inquiry via video link from Lebanon last week and denied using political payments to secure favourable outcomes for his developments.

$134,000 surveillance of former mayor

The inquiry previously heard Mr Maheswaran engaged Mr De Kauwe to surveil former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore for several months, with Toplace allegedly footing a $134,000 bill.

Mr De Kauwe said he was asked to photograph and record Mr Blackmore's movements, including his interactions with property developers.

He told the commission the first surveillance attempt in May 2021 produced no useful results.

The commission is investigating allegations that Mr Maheswaran and fellow Strathfield councillor Karen Pensabene engaged in blackmail and spying against Mr Blackmore.

Mr Maheswaran and Ms Pensabene have disputed or not responded to aspects of the allegations.

Mr Blackmore told the inquiry last week that he and his family were secretly recorded for five months, including while on a family holiday, describing the surveillance as "one of the worst things" he experienced.