The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Sydney is currently investigating allegations involving former Labor councillor Sharangan Maheswaran. During testimony on Tuesday, Maheswaran admitted to hiring a private investigator to monitor former mayor Matthew Blackmore in 2022. The surveillance included taking photographs and audio recordings of the mayor.

The inquiry centers on claims that Maheswaran and another Labor councillor attempted to pressure Blackmore after he allegedly reneged on an agreement to resign from his mayoral position. Testimony revealed that Maheswaran made light of the situation during the period of surveillance, reportedly joking about the use of spy equipment and referencing the song "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.

While the facts regarding the hiring of the investigator and the nature of the surveillance are established by the testimony, the broader context of the alleged blackmail remains under investigation by the commission. The inquiry continues to examine the motivations behind the surveillance and whether the actions taken by the councillors crossed legal boundaries regarding public office conduct.