Sydney mayor allegedly threatened and children secretly recorded after he refused to step down, Icac hears
Former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore testified to the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption that he was threatened and surveilled after refusing to step down from his position. The inquiry, known as Operation Rosny, is investigating allegations that former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene engaged in blackmail and illegal surveillance against Blackmore. Blackmore claimed that operatives followed him and secretly recorded his children, leading to a significant deterioration in his sense of personal safety.
- ▪Matthew Blackmore initially agreed to split the mayoralty but later decided to remain in the role, which caused conflict with Labor councillors.
- ▪Sharangan Maheswaran allegedly threatened Blackmore by stating it would take six weeks to take him down if he did not comply.
- ▪Blackmore reported that his children were secretly recorded and that operatives had been following him for five months.
- ▪The Icac inquiry is investigating whether the former councillors engaged in blackmail or illegal surveillance activities.
- ▪Blackmore stated that the situation has severely impacted his personal safety, causing him to feel constantly monitored.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/14/sydney-mayor-threatened-secretly-recorded-after-refusing-to-step-down-icac-ntwnfb |
| Publication time | Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:05:52 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-14T05:26:51.430Z |
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption’s Operation Rosny has heard allegations of secret illegal recordings. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAPView image in fullscreenThe Independent Commission Against Corruption’s Operation Rosny has heard allegations of secret illegal recordings. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAPIndependent Commission Against CorruptionSydney mayor allegedly threatened and children secretly recorded after he refused to step down, Icac hears Corruption inquiry turns its investigation to allegations Strathfield councillors may have engaged in blackmail or illegal surveillance Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our new political email, free app or daily news podcast Kat WongMon 14 Sep 2026 01.05 EDTLast modified on Mon 14 Sep 2026 01.21…
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