Angelo Tsirekas, mayor of the City of Canada Bay in Sydney’s inner west, was found to be corrupt by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in relation to allegations that he granted a developer preferential treatment in exchange for luxury trips overseas.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Tsirekas was found to have “engaged in severe corrupt behaviour” in his association with I-Prosperity Group and its agent Joseph Chidiac – a friend of the mayor – between November 2015 and February 2019.
“…Advantages (of the friendship) included international flights and accommodations (for Tsirekas) worth at least $18,800,” the ICAC said in a statement.
Further ICAC investigations showcased these advantages were utilised as an enticement for Mr Tsirekas to garner favour for I-Prosperity’s interests in Rhodes properties that came before the Council during his mayorship, reported The Daily Telegraph.
“The Commission is of the opinion that consideration should be given to the suspension of Mr Tsirekas from civic office with a view to his dismissal in relation to these serious corrupt conduct findings,” the statement continued.
According to Canada Bay Council, no other councillors are involved in the corruption case and the investigation is strictly related to Mr Tsirekas.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
