Property Developer Jean Nassif Denies Bribing NSW Politicians

Property developer Jean Nassif, founder of the failed Toplace group, testified via video link from Lebanon to the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The inquiry, titled Operation Rosny, is investigating whether Nassif paid members of the Liberal Party's Reformers faction—including Christian Ellis, Jeremy Greenwood, and Charles Perrottet—to influence political outcomes and secure development application approvals.

Nassif denied paying bribes, stating he only employed consultants and was unaware of any corrupt activity. However, he admitted to offering faction members up to $1 million to help progress stalled developments. During the hearing, Nassif accused former police minister David Elliott and former building commissioner David Chandler of causing the failure of Toplace, though neither official faces accusations of wrongdoing.

Intercepted calls presented during the inquiry revealed Nassif bragging about his relationship with former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and claiming influence over the state government. Nassif, who is currently subject to an international arrest warrant on fraud charges, asserted that he is not hiding and intends to return to Australia once he secures a legal team to fight the establishment.