Private Investigator Surveilled Liberal Minister for Developer

A private investigator testified before the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) that he was instructed to surveil a Liberal minister and to provide secret recording devices to a fugitive property developer. Shane De Kauwe told the Icac on Tuesday that he installed a static camera on a building to record an individual associated with the former NSW Liberal MP David Elliott. De Kauwe stated that he received instructions from Sharangan Maheswaran, a lawyer for Toplace, a property development company. Toplace is associated with Jean Nassif, a fugitive property developer who is currently the subject of an Icac investigation. The investigation is examining allegations of corruption in the NSW property development sector. De Kauwe's testimony detailed his involvement in surveillance activities that allegedly targeted individuals connected to political figures. He explained that his role involved gathering information through covert means, including the use of surveillance equipment. The Icac is scrutinizing the conduct of property developers, political figures, and their associates to determine if any corrupt practices have occurred. The commission is empowered to investigate allegations of corrupt conduct by public officials and those who interact with them. The proceedings aim to uncover any undue influence or improper dealings that may have impacted public decision-making processes. De Kauwe's evidence is part of a broader inquiry into the relationship between property developers and politicians in New South Wales. The commission is seeking to establish whether any laws or ethical standards were breached. The testimony highlights the methods allegedly employed to gain advantages or influence in the development approval process. The involvement of a private investigator suggests a deliberate effort to obtain information that could be used for strategic or potentially compromising purposes. The Icac's findings could lead to recommendations for legislative changes or disciplinary actions against individuals found to have engaged in corrupt conduct. The investigation into Jean Nassif and Toplace is a significant part of the commission's current work, focusing on potential misconduct in the lucrative property development industry. The testimony provided by De Kauwe is expected to be a key piece of evidence in understanding the alleged network of influence and surveillance.