Covert recording captured alleged $5 million extortion plot against Nassif
A hidden recording device captured men allegedly discussing a $5 million extortion attempt against developer Jean Nassif.
A private investigator testified at an ICAC inquiry that he gave a hidden recording device to Jean Nassif's lawyer. Developer Jean Nassif used the device to record a conversation with two men.
The men allegedly discussed a $5 million extortion attempt. They blamed building commissioner David Chandler.
However, the investigator believed they were trying to extort Nassif directly. When Nassif declined to file a police complaint, the investigator made one himself.
Chandler is not accused of any wrongdoing. The inquiry also heard about the investigator's surveillance work on Liberal MP David Elliott.
Elliott was police minister in the former Coalition government.
- $5 million
- Alleged extortion amount
- Shane De Kauwe
- Private investigator
- Jean Nassif
- Developer
- David Chandler
- Building commissioner
Why it mattersIt shows investigation methods used in corruption inquiries. It raises questions about hidden recording devices used in disputes between powerful figures.
AustraliaExposes how private investigators operate in NSW corruption probes and raises questions about the lawfulness of secret recordings in business disputes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
