Former NSW transport official Ibrahim Helmy arrested in Sydney over $343M corruption probe, accused of receiving $11.5M in illicit payments.

Ibrahim Helmy, a former transport department procurement officer, was arrested in Sydney on September 26 after evading authorities for months during an investigation into a suspected multimillion-dollar kickback scheme involving contracts worth over $343 million. He was found hiding in a cupboard at a shared house where he had been living on cash payments. Allegations include Helmy receiving over $11.5 million in illicit payments via cash, cryptocurrency, and gold, often exchanged at fast-food outlets and service stations. Though not criminally charged, he had failed to appear for a scheduled examination and was previously detained at Sydney Airport while attempting to flee with a U.S. passport. The probe, now in its fourth public phase since 2019, is examining systemic corruption within Transport for NSW, which manages a $23 billion annual budget. Helmy testified under objection without legal representation, stating he planned to surrender but claimed not to recall being urged to do so. The investigation continues.