Private Investigator Tells Icac He Surveilled Liberal Minister and Supplied Recording Devices to Jean Nassif

A private investigator has told the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) that he was asked to surveil a Liberal minister and supplied secret recording devices to fugitive property developer Jean Nassif, as the corruption inquiry into the Toplace group continues.

Shane De Kauwe testified on Tuesday that he had installed a static camera on a building in order to record a person connected to former NSW Liberal MP David Elliott. He told the inquiry he was instructed to carry out the surveillance by Sharangan Maheswaran, a lawyer for Toplace.

De Kauwe's evidence adds new detail to the Icac's ongoing examination of the property developer's affairs, including the circumstances surrounding Jean Nassif, who has been sought in connection with the inquiry. The testimony touches on the use of surveillance and recording equipment allegedly directed at a sitting minister, raising questions about the extent of monitoring activity connected to the case.

The inquiry has heard a series of witnesses in recent sessions as it examines dealings involving Toplace and related parties. De Kauwe's account of being provided with recording devices and instructed to conduct surveillance is among the latest pieces of evidence presented to the commission.

The Icac has not yet made findings on the matters raised in Tuesday's testimony, and the inquiry is continuing. Further witnesses are expected to give evidence as the commission examines the full scope of the allegations connected to Toplace and the individuals named in the proceedings.