NSW Transport Official Admits Hiding During ICAC Kickback Probe
Sydney, NSW – A former NSW Transport department procurement specialist has admitted to hiding in a cupboard as investigators sought to question him regarding an alleged multimillion-dollar kickback scheme. The revelation came during a hearing of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Tuesday, September 26th.
The official, identified as Helmy, was discovered by police opening a cupboard door. When initially asked about his presence, Helmy stated he was “getting something from the cupboard,” but later conceded he had been “hiding.”
Helmy remains in custody as ICAC investigators work to prevent a repeat of his previous disappearance, wich disrupted the inquiry into alleged kickbacks linked to contracts exceeding $343 million. While he has not been criminally charged, the inquiry has heard allegations that Helmy personally received over $11.5 million.
The investigation has uncovered claims that contracts were inflated, with the excess funds being split between contractors and transport officials. Payments were allegedly made in cash,cryptocurrency,and gold at locations such as fast-food outlets and service stations. It is alleged Helmy cultivated corrupt relationships with contractors and colleagues within the agency.
During testimony given without legal representation and under objection, Helmy revealed he had been watching a live-stream of the ICAC hearings when they began in July. Counsel assisting, Rob Ranken SC, questioned Helmy about a previously issued warrant for his arrest and a public appeal for him to come forward voluntarily.
“Did you hear me say it was only a matter of time before you were located… did you hear me urge you to come forward of your own volition?” Ranken asked.
“I don’t recall hearing that,” Helmy responded, claiming he had been planning to surrender himself before his arrest.
Helmy initially failed to appear for an examination in May, with his family reporting he had not returned after taking out the bins. He was later apprehended at Sydney Airport in December while attempting to board a flight to China with a US passport, despite ICAC holding his Australian passport at the time. He was briefly released with conditions to reappear in May, but again failed to attend.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Helmy continued to receive his full salary untill his leave was fatigued, and his employment was ultimately terminated in December due to inappropriate use of the department’s Microsoft Teams messaging platform.
ICAC hearings are expected to continue throughout the week, delving further into the alleged scheme. Recent hearings in August featured testimony from Peter le, a procurement and contracts officer who admitted to assisting Helmy with the alleged kickback scheme.
This probe marks the fourth public inquiry since 2019 into allegations of corruption in procurement at Transport for NSW, an agency responsible for a $23 billion annual budget.
