What we learnt from ICAC’s Operation Rosny this week

Charles Perrottet, a former influential figure in the Liberal Party, testified before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) that he frequently misled a disgraced property developer, Jean Nassif, to secure payments for his associates. Perrottet appeared before the commission on Monday, detailing how he used his personal connection with Nassif to assist Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis in obtaining funds owed to their company, Beckington. The inquiry is examining whether Nassif, currently in Lebanon and facing serious fraud charges, illegally funded the Liberal Party. Nassif is set to testify remotely from Beirut later in the week. During his testimony, Perrottet described attending the Longueville Hotel in January 2021, where Sharangan Maheswaran, Nassif's legal representative, allegedly handed a cheque to either Greenwood or Ellis. Perrottet claimed he did not inquire about the amount on the cheque and was unaware of its value. He explained that they chose the pub due to its proximity to his residence and because he was scheduled to fly to Melbourne the following day. When questioned about recalling the cheque being given to Greenwood or Ellis, Perrottet initially affirmed that he believed it occurred. Dr. Peggy Dwyer, counsel assisting the commission, presented photographs taken on Perrottet’s phone the morning after the meeting. One image depicted an envelope addressed to Beckington with the sum of $148,000 clearly marked on the front. Dwyer challenged Perrottet, noting that if the payment had indeed been made at the hotel, there would be no need to photograph the envelope the next day. Perrottet conceded that he might have been mistaken. Anita Perrottet, Charles’s wife, had previously testified before the ICAC earlier in the week. Later, Louie Douvis Perrottet suggested that Greenwood might not have attended the pub meeting, proposing instead that Perrottet delivered the cheque directly to Greenwood’s home. Earlier in the proceedings, Perrottet was shown a text message he sent to Nassif requesting a meeting to seek assistance with a preselection process. Nassif’s company, Toplace, has since gone bankrupt and owes approximately $2 billion to its creditors. Perrottet stated that he was attempting to recover outstanding payments for Beckington and mentioned preselection processes to imply that Nassif’s money was being utilized for political purposes. He admitted to fabricating statements to convey how Nassif could be supportive. “I think I was trying to describe, you know, how he could be supportive. Like I made it up,” Perrottet said during his testimony. He further indicated that he provided political updates to motivate Nassif to settle his debts, although he clarified that the funds were not actually allocated as political contributions. Counsel assisting the commission, Dr. Peggy Dwyer, questioned Perrottet about his apparent efforts to avoid acknowledging the implications of receiving money from Nassif. Perrottet disagreed with her interpretation. Perrottet disclosed that he informed Nassif he would make calls on his behalf regarding one of his projects and that he would meet with a contact to address concerns related to Nassif. However, he admitted that this contact did not exist. “Ultimately, I made it up,” Perrottet stated. Additionally, he revealed that some of his communications with Nassif contained falsehoods, particularly those involving plans to expedite development projects. Perrottet added that he incorporated a “political flavor” into these messages to maintain Nassif’s favor. Perrottet cited two primary motivations for his actions: one was his involvement in seeking evidence related to alleged activities in the Hills area that raised concerns. His testimony continues to unfold as the investigation delves deeper into the intricate web of relationships and financial dealings surrounding the case.