Real Estate Agent Admits Hatred for Former Mayor at Icac

Real estate agent Mohammad Abedin testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) on September 17, 2026, regarding a statement he provided about former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore. Abedin claimed he used ChatGPT to format and word the statement, denying allegations that it was written by Sharangan Maheswaran, a former Labor councillor under investigation for alleged blackmail.

During the inquiry, counsel assisting Juliet Curtin presented evidence that Maheswaran had emailed the statement document to a witnessing lawyer before Abedin signed it. Under questioning, Abedin admitted he had no evidence to support his claims of a "dodgy deal" involving Blackmore.

Abedin further acknowledged a personal hatred for the former mayor, stating that Blackmore had taken business and clients away after leaving his agency. The Icac is currently investigating whether Maheswaran and councillor Karen Pensabene engaged in dishonest conduct or blackmail toward Blackmore, who alleged he was threatened and followed after refusing to step down as mayor.