ICAC Operation Rosny LIVE updates: Former Toplace lawyer, Strathfield councillor Sharangan Maheswaran to continue evidence

Jessica McSweeneyUpdated September 23, 2026 — 10:13am,first published September 23, 2026 — 9:37am10.13amDavid Elliott recordings ‘pocket dials’, not covert recordingsBy Jessica McSweeneySharangan Maheswaran has taken to the witness box for his third day of evidence, but before beginning his questioning counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer, SC, raised a few matters of housekeeping. Dwyer told the commission that former Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith had been called for a private examination after the ICAC heard evidence earlier in the month that Charles Perrottet possessed some audio recordings of David Elliott, which was referred to as “covert recordings” before the ICAC. After questioning Smith, Dwyer said recordings were actually pocket dial voicemails, inadvertently left by Elliott on Smith’s phone. Smith then passed on those voicemails to Perrottet. Dwyer told the commission that ICAC staff have amended previous transcripts to correct those references to covert recordings. 9.37amOperation Rosny key playersBy We’re back for another day in Sharangan Maheswaran’s marathon appearance before the ICAC, as he answers questions about his connection to Liberal operatives, fugitive developer Jean Nassif and allegations of blackmail in his time at Strathfield Council. Here’s a quick recap of the main players involved in this far-reaching corruption inquiry. 9.37amSpy pens, eggs on toast and a side of alleged corruption: PI spills the beans to ICACBy Kate McClymont“Eggs on toast” and “a regular soy cap” were among the few audible things a private investigator secretly recorded while on a covert operation targeting the then-mayor of Strathfield at Deli Fresh cafe in December 2022.Recording devices disguised as pens and cameras placed outside a block of flats were just some of the colourful details of the evidence given by private eye Shane De Kauwe at the Independent Commission Against Corruption on Tuesday.His months of surveillance of mayor Matthew Blackmore have formed an allegation of potential blackmail and breaches of the Surveillance Devices Act levelled at former Strathfield councillor Sharangan Maheswaran, who hired De Kauwe.According to the blurb promoting the Homebush cafe Deli Fresh, “the hum of casual chatter mixes gently with the soft clinks of cups and plates … it’s a spot that embraces the small, genuine moments.”9.37amWelcome to our live coverageBy Jessica McSweeneyHello and welcome to another day of live coverage as the ICAC’s Operation Rosny public hearings continue. I’m state political reporter Jessica McSweeney, and I’ll be bringing you all the latest updates as we hear from former Toplace lawyer and Strathfield Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran. First, here’s a recap of what we covered yesterday: Private investigator Shane De Kauwe was paid by Toplace to conduct surveillance, primarily on David Elliott and former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore at the direction of Sharangan Maheswaran.De Kauwe did not believe allegations made by Jean Nassif that the building commissioner David Chandler was part of a plot to extort him of $5 million was true, and De Kauwe reported it to police after Nassif refused to do so.De Kauwe investigated Elliott and several Hills Shire councillors to look for “political vulnerabilities” and ran surveillance on Elliott. The private investigator was tasked with finding the identity of a mystery woman that Maheswaran said was believed to have met Elliott in breach of covid restrictions. His tailing of this woman included installing a camera pointed at her unit complex driveway.De Kauwe gave covert recording devices to Maheswaran and Jeremy Greenwood.The private investigator covertly recorded conversations between Blackmore and another former mayor Antoine Douehi at a cafe at Maheswaran’s request. Maheswaran provided him legal advice which led De Kauwe to believe he was able to lawfully make the recordings if he suspected corrupt conduct was being discussed.1 of 1