Victoria
Fugitive developer Jean Nassif offered cash to Perrottet brother
Phone taps played at a New South Wales corruption inquiry reveal a six-figure offer from fugitive developer Jean Nassif.
A New South Wales corruption inquiry has heard intercepted phone recordings revealing that fugitive property developer Jean Nassif offered financial support to one of former premier Dominic Perrottet's brothers. The intercept, played during public hearings, details an offer of 100,000 dollars to back a Liberal Party preselection bid.
According to wire reports of the proceedings, the recorded conversations expose the extent of Nassif's attempts to influence political processes within the state. The developer, who is currently outside of Australia and remains a fugitive from justice, sought to leverage his significant financial resources to assist the political aspirations of the former premier's sibling.
The identity of the specific brother targeted by the offer was discussed during the ongoing proceedings, which are examining allegations of improper influence and corruption involving property developers and local government figures. The inquiry was told that the proposed funds were specifically intended to bolster the brother's preselection campaign within the Liberal Party.
The exact details surrounding whether any money was ultimately accepted, or if the Perrottet family member was aware of the developer's specific intentions at the time, remain under examination by the commission. Dominic Perrottet, who served as the Premier of New South Wales until the state election in early 2023, has not been personally implicated in the intercepted conversations played to the inquiry.
Investigators are continuing to review hours of recorded phone calls and financial documents linked to Nassif's former business dealings across Sydney. The property developer fled the country before authorities could question him directly about several controversial development projects and his broader interactions with public officials.
Watch for further witnesses to be called to the inquiry as investigators continue to probe the links between property developers and state preselection contests.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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