Homeowners trapped by structural failures as ICAC probes Toplace founder Jean Nassif
Owners of Toplace apartments in Sydney face massive repair costs and plummeting values while founder Jean Nassif defends himself before the NSW ICAC.
Temporary steel props now support parts of the building, and owners report spending hundreds of thousands on strata fees and repairs. Founder Jean Nassif, who is wanted by NSW police on fraud charges, appeared twice by video from his Beirut bedroom, vehemently denying corruption and accusing former Liberal minister David Elliott and former state building commissioner David Chandler of sabotaging his projects.
ICAC Assistant Commissioner Fabian Gleeson intervened to keep the hearing focused on the allegations. Counsel Peggy Dwyer questioned Nassif about the alleged defects, which he dismissed as false. The inquiry has highlighted the personal toll on residents, including forced evacuations, health impacts and broken families, while experts warn proving systemic corruption will be challenging.
