A private investigator has told the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that fugitive property developer Jean Nassif sought investigations into broadcaster Ray Hadley and former NSW police minister David Elliott.

Former Australian Federal Police officer Shane De Kauwe, who now works as a private investigator, gave evidence during the ICAC’s Operation Rosny inquiry on Tuesday.

Mr De Kauwe said he received instructions from former Toplace lawyer and Strathfield councillor Sharangan Maheswaran to investigate Mr Elliott and other individuals. He later told the inquiry that Mr Nassif asked him to investigate Mr Hadley, Mr Elliott and former NSW building commissioner David Chandler after Nassif left Australia for Lebanon.

According to Mr De Kauwe, Nassif’s requests were passed on to Mr Maheswaran, but the proposed investigations into Mr Hadley and Mr Chandler did not proceed.

The inquiry is examining allegations involving political donations linked to Mr Nassif and claims that political influence may have been used to secure favourable outcomes for his property interests. Mr Nassif has denied using political payments to obtain favourable treatment.

Mr De Kauwe told the commission that he had been asked to examine Mr Elliott’s movements, social media activity and possible political vulnerabilities. He said Mr Maheswaran wanted to “return serve” against Mr Elliott, whom he believed had attacked an associate and provided information to the media.

The investigator said his surveillance did not uncover evidence of wrongdoing by Mr Elliott. He also said he found no evidence that Mr Elliott had breached COVID-19 restrictions or been involved in an alleged extramarital affair.

The inquiry heard that Mr De Kauwe was also asked to identify a woman whom Mr Maheswaran believed had previously encountered Mr Elliott during an alleged COVID-19 restrictions breach. The investigator said he installed a camera overlooking the driveway of a unit complex in an attempt to identify the woman’s vehicle.

During questioning, Mr De Kauwe acknowledged that he did not have permission to install the static camera at the location.

The inquiry also heard that Mr De Kauwe invoiced companies connected to Nassif for investigative work. In one case, a company associated with Nassif was charged almost $15,000 for surveillance-related work.

Another investigation involved former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore. Mr De Kauwe previously told ICAC that Mr Maheswaran hired him to monitor Mr Blackmore over several months, with Toplace allegedly paying approximately $134,000 for the investigation.

The commission is examining allegations that Mr Maheswaran and fellow Strathfield councillor Karen Pensabene were involved in surveillance and alleged blackmail targeting Mr Blackmore. Both have disputed or not responded to aspects of the allegations.

Mr Blackmore previously told the inquiry that he and his family had been secretly recorded for months, including during a family holiday, describing the experience as extremely distressing.

Mr Nassif fled Australia in 2022 and gave evidence to the ICAC inquiry from Lebanon last week. He denied allegations that he used political payments to obtain favourable outcomes for his developments.

Mr Hadley, Mr Elliott and Mr Chandler have not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the allegations examined by the commission.

SOURCE: ABC News, Chantelle Al-Khouri, updated September 22, 2026.