Alleged $5m 'extortion attempt' labelled a 'lie' at NSW ICAC
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption heard fugitive property developer Jean Nassif claimed he was being extorted by former Toplace contractor Navid Ardestani, who was pursuing him for money he believed he was owed.
An alleged $5 million extortion attempt against property developer Jean Nassif has been dismissed as a lie by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Former Toplace executive Sharangan Maheswaran was questioned about texts between Nassif and contractor Navid Ardestani, which appeared to show Ardestani attempting to secure payment for remediation work at Nassif's developments.
ICAC counsel assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, suggested the exchange actually demonstrated Ardestani trying to get paid for his services. Despite Mr Maheswaran's assertion that the messages indicated a possible extortion attempt, Ardestani denied any wrongdoing and insisted the messages showed he was trying to get paid.
The ICAC is also investigating whether political donations were exchanged for political favors related to Nassif's developments.
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