‘I am richer haha': Fugitive transport manager's message after $150,000 crypto transfer
WhatsApp messages, emails and phone records in 2021 show communications between Protection Barriers director Meshel Chellew and then-Transport for NSW manager Ibrahim Helmy about how she could set up a cryptocurrency account and later transfer funds of up to $150,000 at a time to another crypto account from the company.
In one exchange between the pair in 2021, a WhatsApp message from Helmy confirming that a transfer had come through read: 'I am richer haha.'
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating allegations Helmy was the mastermind behind corrupt relationships with companies, including Protection Barriers, that were paid at least $343 million in contracts. Helmy, 38, failed to appear before the ICAC in May and police have a warrant out for his arrest.
Under questioning on Wednesday, Chellow confirmed Helmy would regularly instruct her while on the phone about a cryptocurrency transfer, providing by email details which she then cut and pasted into Protection Barriers' cryptocurrency account to enable transfers.
'He is sending me a step-by-step guide. I can't follow what he said on the phone sometimes. He would send me a screenshot,' she told the inquiry.
'He is always on the phone. I didn't have a clue what I was looking at.'
Their first conversation was on March 13, 2021, after her husband, Jason Chellew, told her that Helmy would call to instruct her about how to set up an account for Protection Barriers. 'He just says, 'a guy will call you',' she said. '[Jason] said we are going to set up an account for [cryptocurrency exchange] Independent Reserve and I didn't even know what it was.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Fatal truck crash: specialist officers to comb crime scene on M1 after man killed
A TRUCK driver has died in a crash on the M1 at Morisset on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services rushed to reports of a crash between two trucks, including a petrol tanker, in the southbound lanes near Mandalong Road just before 3pm on July 22. Police said the man who had been driving one of the vehicles sadly died before emergency services arrived. He was yet to be formally identified on Tuesday night. The second driver, a 57-year-old man, was not injured in the crash, according to police. Lake Macquarie police established a crime scene and were waiting for specialist officers to arrive and comb the crash site as part of the effort to piece together how the fatal collision unfolded. Both southbound lanes of the M1 were closed to all traffic south of Morisset and no traffic heading from Newcastle to Sydney could get through. A NSW Police spokesperson said the roadway was expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists were urged to avoid the area. Southbound traffic north of the crash site was in gridlock on Tuesday afternoon and motorists were warned to expect significant delays. Northbound traffic was also affected, with one of two lanes closed while the emergency response unfolded. Traffic was heavy on the roads surrounding the crash site at Dora Creek, Cooranbong and Morisset, due to diversions. Multiple NSW Ambulance resources were tasked to the scene, including a rescue helicopter, along with police officers and Transport for NSW crews, as part of the major emergency response. Heavy vehicle recovery and the clean-up of the crash site were also expected to take some time, according to Live Traffic NSW updates. A diversion was in place along Mandalong Road, Wyee Road, Doyalson Link Road and the M1 Pacific Motorway. B-doubles had to divert via Newcastle using the Pacific Highway; while light vehicles only could consider using Hue Hue Road from Wyee Road then Sparks Road to access the M1 Pacific Motorway from Warnervale. Investigating police have urged anyone with information about the truck crash, who was in the area at the time, or who had dashcam or mobile phone footage available, to contact Morisset police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A TRUCK driver has died in a crash on the M1 at Morisset on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services rushed to reports of a crash between two trucks, including a petrol tanker, in the southbound lanes near Mandalong Road just before 3pm on July 22. Police said the man who had been driving one of the vehicles sadly died before emergency services arrived. He was yet to be formally identified on Tuesday night. The second driver, a 57-year-old man, was not injured in the crash, according to police. Lake Macquarie police established a crime scene and were waiting for specialist officers to arrive and comb the crash site as part of the effort to piece together how the fatal collision unfolded. Both southbound lanes of the M1 were closed to all traffic south of Morisset and no traffic heading from Newcastle to Sydney could get through. A NSW Police spokesperson said the roadway was expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists were urged to avoid the area. Southbound traffic north of the crash site was in gridlock on Tuesday afternoon and motorists were warned to expect significant delays. Northbound traffic was also affected, with one of two lanes closed while the emergency response unfolded. Traffic was heavy on the roads surrounding the crash site at Dora Creek, Cooranbong and Morisset, due to diversions. Multiple NSW Ambulance resources were tasked to the scene, including a rescue helicopter, along with police officers and Transport for NSW crews, as part of the major emergency response. Heavy vehicle recovery and the clean-up of the crash site were also expected to take some time, according to Live Traffic NSW updates. A diversion was in place along Mandalong Road, Wyee Road, Doyalson Link Road and the M1 Pacific Motorway. B-doubles had to divert via Newcastle using the Pacific Highway; while light vehicles only could consider using Hue Hue Road from Wyee Road then Sparks Road to access the M1 Pacific Motorway from Warnervale. Investigating police have urged anyone with information about the truck crash, who was in the area at the time, or who had dashcam or mobile phone footage available, to contact Morisset police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A TRUCK driver has died in a crash on the M1 at Morisset on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services rushed to reports of a crash between two trucks, including a petrol tanker, in the southbound lanes near Mandalong Road just before 3pm on July 22. Police said the man who had been driving one of the vehicles sadly died before emergency services arrived. He was yet to be formally identified on Tuesday night. The second driver, a 57-year-old man, was not injured in the crash, according to police. Lake Macquarie police established a crime scene and were waiting for specialist officers to arrive and comb the crash site as part of the effort to piece together how the fatal collision unfolded. Both southbound lanes of the M1 were closed to all traffic south of Morisset and no traffic heading from Newcastle to Sydney could get through. A NSW Police spokesperson said the roadway was expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists were urged to avoid the area. Southbound traffic north of the crash site was in gridlock on Tuesday afternoon and motorists were warned to expect significant delays. Northbound traffic was also affected, with one of two lanes closed while the emergency response unfolded. Traffic was heavy on the roads surrounding the crash site at Dora Creek, Cooranbong and Morisset, due to diversions. Multiple NSW Ambulance resources were tasked to the scene, including a rescue helicopter, along with police officers and Transport for NSW crews, as part of the major emergency response. Heavy vehicle recovery and the clean-up of the crash site were also expected to take some time, according to Live Traffic NSW updates. A diversion was in place along Mandalong Road, Wyee Road, Doyalson Link Road and the M1 Pacific Motorway. B-doubles had to divert via Newcastle using the Pacific Highway; while light vehicles only could consider using Hue Hue Road from Wyee Road then Sparks Road to access the M1 Pacific Motorway from Warnervale. Investigating police have urged anyone with information about the truck crash, who was in the area at the time, or who had dashcam or mobile phone footage available, to contact Morisset police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A TRUCK driver has died in a crash on the M1 at Morisset on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services rushed to reports of a crash between two trucks, including a petrol tanker, in the southbound lanes near Mandalong Road just before 3pm on July 22. Police said the man who had been driving one of the vehicles sadly died before emergency services arrived. He was yet to be formally identified on Tuesday night. The second driver, a 57-year-old man, was not injured in the crash, according to police. Lake Macquarie police established a crime scene and were waiting for specialist officers to arrive and comb the crash site as part of the effort to piece together how the fatal collision unfolded. Both southbound lanes of the M1 were closed to all traffic south of Morisset and no traffic heading from Newcastle to Sydney could get through. A NSW Police spokesperson said the roadway was expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists were urged to avoid the area. Southbound traffic north of the crash site was in gridlock on Tuesday afternoon and motorists were warned to expect significant delays. Northbound traffic was also affected, with one of two lanes closed while the emergency response unfolded. Traffic was heavy on the roads surrounding the crash site at Dora Creek, Cooranbong and Morisset, due to diversions. Multiple NSW Ambulance resources were tasked to the scene, including a rescue helicopter, along with police officers and Transport for NSW crews, as part of the major emergency response. Heavy vehicle recovery and the clean-up of the crash site were also expected to take some time, according to Live Traffic NSW updates. A diversion was in place along Mandalong Road, Wyee Road, Doyalson Link Road and the M1 Pacific Motorway. B-doubles had to divert via Newcastle using the Pacific Highway; while light vehicles only could consider using Hue Hue Road from Wyee Road then Sparks Road to access the M1 Pacific Motorway from Warnervale. Investigating police have urged anyone with information about the truck crash, who was in the area at the time, or who had dashcam or mobile phone footage available, to contact Morisset police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Dangerous eyesore': council calls for end to Horseshoe beach stalemate
A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore". Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution. The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore". A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park. TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park. "Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said. "Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper. "Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so." Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel. In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park. Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off. On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time. "CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said. Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers. "I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said. "TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area. "This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this." "This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said. "Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago." The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year. If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved. The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue. The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons". "TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said. The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore". Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution. The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore". A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park. TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park. "Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said. "Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper. "Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so." Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel. In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park. Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off. On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time. "CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said. Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers. "I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said. "TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area. "This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this." "This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said. "Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago." The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year. If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved. The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue. The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons". "TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said. The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore". Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution. The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore". A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park. TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park. "Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said. "Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper. "Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so." Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel. In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park. Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off. On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time. "CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said. Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers. "I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said. "TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area. "This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this." "This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said. "Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago." The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year. If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved. The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue. The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons". "TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said. The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take. A STALEMATE between the City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW has seen one of the "best locations in Newcastle" become a "dangerous eyesore". Horseshoe beach car park and the nearby dunes have become overrun with "vagrants", littered with needles and drug paraphernalia and are apparently so unsafe that the council's own regulatory staff have been told not to go there. The council stopped all regulatory action in the Horseshoe beach area about 12 months ago. Liberal councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull have put forward a motion to Tuesday's council meeting calling on Transport for NSW (TFNSW) to come to the table on a solution. The report acknowledges residents' concerns and said the "unkept state" of the area has turned one of the best locations in Newcastle into a "dangerous eyesore". A report to councillors said City of Newcastle (CN) had not been able to resolve a service agreement with TFNSW, which would ensure maintenance and management of the precinct, since the end of Newcastle 500. With no signposted parking restrictions in place, the car park is being used for short and long-term parking and has become home to rough sleepers living out of their vehicles. The motion to councillors argues that if proper parking restriction signs are in place, the council will have the authority to enforce the rules in the car park. TFNSW told the Newcastle Herald last week it planned to replace "no overnight camping" signs, which were removed by unknown persons. The new signs will permit four-hour parking and the towing away of vehicles as required. A TFNSW spokeswoman said it is acting to ensure the safety of locals and visitors following reports of antisocial behaviour from people overstaying at the car park. "Transport has worked with NSW Police to identify owners of some personal belongings at the carpark and ensure their return," she said. "Transport prioritises the amenity and cleanliness of our assets. Transport crews cleaned the site Friday, including the removal of items from a former camper. "Transport has always been responsible for cleaning the beach and has spent an average of $20,000 per annum in doing so." Last month, a man was arrested at a caravan parked at Horseshoe beach after it was alleged that he chased another man with a loaded speargun, struck him with a golf club and damaged his car with a shovel. In May, fisherman Shane Ross said he was violently assaulted after an altercation at the car park. Mr Ross said he was punched through the window of his car and had his keys smashed before the assailant ran off. On Tuesday, councillors will decide whether to formally call on TFNSW to address safety issues at around Horseshoe beach, signpost parking restrictions, and finalise a service agreement with the council. Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has approached the minister on the issue and is aware TFNSW has been negotiating with the council for some time. "CN has made it clear that they would not come to an agreement until those in vans and those living rough have been moved on," he said. Mr Crakanthorp said TFNSW, NSW Police and Homes NSW have been working to move on vans and rehouse rough sleepers. "I have been working with TFNSW and police, and I understand that the gazetting of new signage is imminent and signs will be erected following the required notification time," he said. "TFNSW has started a progressive clean-up of waste in the area. "This is a complex matter where we need to support those experiencing homelessness and also resolve the ongoing issue of management. I have met with the minister and asked her to escalate this." "This included maintenance of the car park, the surrounding assets, and included reduced regulatory presence in the TFNSW area," the report to councillors said. "Due to safety becoming an unacceptable risk to our staff and with no direction on applicable controls or resourcing from TFNSW, CN ceased all regulatory action in the area approximately 12 months ago." The report said cleaning Horseshoe beach and the northern end of Camp Shortland costs Newcastle ratepayers about $400,000 each year. If approved, the council will write to Mr Crakanthorp, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison and TFNSW asking for the matter to be resolved. The council claims it has contacted TFNSW on multiple occasions, as far back as January 2024, about the issue. The report said meetings have been held during the past year, but more recently had been "cancelled by TFNSW for unknown reasons". "TFNSW and the state member for Newcastle have been informed by CN that its parking officers will not undertake parking patrols until the car park is safe and a service agreement is in place for the HBP [Horseshoe Beach precinct]," the report said. The council said it has made recommendations to TFNSW to address long-term parking in the area and has offered to make and install signage once TFNSW decides what actions it wants to take.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Fugitive took bundles of cash at fast-food restaurant, inquiry told
A part-owner of a small Sydney line marking company has told an anti-corruption inquiry he handed over envelopes of cash at an Oporto fast-food restaurant and his Wetherill Park offices to an allegedly corrupt NSW transport department employee during work on the city's M4 motorway. Emails, text messages and spreadsheets in 2013 shown to the inquiry reveal that Complete Linemarking director Peco 'Peter' Jankulovski and Ibrahim Helmy, who was at that time an employee of Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), arranged to meet on numerous occasions at an Oporto restaurant and the company's premises, where cash would be handed over. In one exchange via text message in August 2013, Helmy asked Jankulovski if there were many people at his company's premises. Jankulovski confirmed to the inquiry on Thursday that Helmy was expressing a reluctance to meet there too often because it was where cash was handed over. Some of the withdrawals of cash for Helmy were made from the personal bank accounts of Jankulovski and his wife. The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating allegations Helmy was the mastermind behind corrupt relationships with companies, including Complete Linemarking, that were paid at least $343 million in contracts by Transport for NSW. Helmy, 38, failed to appear before the ICAC in May and police have a warrant out for his arrest. Helmy is alleged to have pocketed $11.5 million in kickbacks – including bundles of cash, gold bullion and cryptocurrency – over a 15-year period from contractors in return for them being awarded work on roads. The inquiry heard that as part of Complete Linemarking's arrangement with Helmy, which began in 2012, Jankulovski would send the then-RMS employee a breakdown of his company's costings. Helmy would respond by sending back revised figures to Jankulovski with instructions to invoice them to the roads agency. Another method was to falsely increase the quantities of materials, rather than inflating the cost of the work.
