ICAC probe of developer Jean Nassif stalls as he evades testimony from Lebanon
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating Jean Nassif for paying right-wing operatives to sabotage political rivals, but the developer has repeatedly avoided appearing before the inquiry.
The ICAC has heard evidence that developer Jean Nassif paid hard-right Liberal operatives to generate damaging material against former Building Commission chief David Chandler and former police minister David Elliott. Lobbyists Jeremy Greenwood, Christian Ellis and Charles Perrottet allegedly split $2 million of Nassif’s funds, which were routed through the lobbying firm Beckington as "government relations" work. A police arrest warrant was issued after Nassif left for Lebanon in December 2022, and although he was briefly listed to give evidence via video link, he withdrew citing a medical certificate.
His daughter Ashlyn Nassif received a six-month intensive corrections order after pleading guilty to falsifying pre-sale contracts used to obtain a $150 million Westpac loan for her father. Earlier, Nassif’s former wife Nissy Matta denied bribery accusations over a costly dress gift and later divorced him, alleging physical, emotional and financial abuse. The case also references Nassif’s 2020 video presenting a $480,000 Lamborghini to his wife on Valentine’s Day.
Why it matters
The inquiry reveals possible illegal political financing and corruption involving a major property developer.
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