UPDATE: A former NSW transport department officer, Katya Wang, broke down in tears today during an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) hearing, revealing her struggles to return $6,000 in cash kickbacks received from her romantic partner, Ibrahim Helmy. The shocking testimony has raised urgent questions about corruption within the agency.
Wang, who served as a program governance and reporting officer at Transport for NSW, admitted to receiving cash benefits from Helmy, her colleague and alleged mastermind behind a wider corruption scandal. The relationship between Wang and Helmy began in 2018 and lasted until September 2024, during which she received cash that Helmy obtained from contractors.
During the inquiry, Wang recalled her discomfort each time Helmy handed her $1,000 in cash kickbacks, stating, “I didn’t want the cash, I didn’t need money. It was improper money.” She described multiple attempts to return the funds, including an instance when she secretly placed the cash in Helmy’s bag, only for him to return it to her.
ICAC officials confirmed that cash totaling $6,000 was seized from Wang’s home in Parramatta. Helmy, who is 38 years old, faces serious allegations of pocketing an astounding $11.5 million in kickbacks over 15 years, involving numerous contractors in exchange for government contracts.
The implications of this testimony are profound, as they expose a troubling network of corruption within NSW’s transport sector. Wang’s emotional revelations not only highlight her personal turmoil but also shed light on the broader issues of integrity and accountability within public service.
As the inquiry unfolds, the public is left to grapple with the shocking reality of corruption at such high levels. What happens next in this case remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the revelations from Wang will not only impact the individuals involved but could reshape public trust in governmental institutions.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the ICAC inquiry continues to uncover the extent of corruption within Transport for NSW.
