The date has been set for the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) investigation into allegations of corruption by the City of Canada Bay’s mayor, councillor Angelo Tsirekas.
On Tuesday, 26 April, hearings begin looking into Tsirekas’ conduct from 2011 to 2018.
The investigation, named Operation Tolosa, is looking into allegations Tsirekas failed to disclose relationships with multiple parties or declare a potential conflict of interest in matters such as planning.
Disclosure questions over relationships since 2012 with property group Billbergia, Prolet Constructions, and Joseph Chidiac are the subject of the scrutiny.
Property group i-Prosperity Group and Chidiac have been named as allegedly providing Tsirekas with benefits such as overseas flights and accommodation, while Tsirekas favoured their interests in relation to properties on Marquet Street and Mary Street, Rhodes.
Founder of i-Prosperity Group Michael Gu has fled the country following the collapse of the company, according to the AFR. The company is in administration.
Other parties named in the allegations include Frank Bruzzaro, Francesco Colacicco and former general manager of the City of Canada Bay Council Gary Sawyer.
Only those deemed essential may attend the hearing, while members of the public and media can watch a livestream of the proceedings. The hearing will be livestreamed on the ICAC website.
:
New ICAC due diligence guide aims to improve public sector procurement
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.