Corruption Inquiry Reveals Covert Surveillance Tactics in Strathfield

• •Private investigator's covert recordings failed to capture incriminating evidence.
• •Allegations involve blackmail and breaches of surveillance laws against former councillor Maheswaran.
• •The inquiry is part of a broader investigation into corruption in local government.

A private investigator, Shane De Kauwe, testified at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) regarding covert surveillance operations targeting former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore. De Kauwe's recordings, made using disguised devices, primarily captured cafe noise, failing to document any incriminating conversations. The inquiry centers on allegations of blackmail and breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act involving former councillor Sharangan Maheswaran, who hired De Kauwe. Maheswaran allegedly sought to pressure Blackmore into resigning to facilitate a political handover. The investigation also highlights Maheswaran's undisclosed ties to property developer Jean Nassif, who fled to Lebanon amid financial collapse. The inquiry is part of Operation Rosny, a long-running corruption investigation. Blackmore, who is not accused of wrongdoing, reported the matter to ICAC after being pressured to resign.