A traffic controller has revealed to the state’s corruption commission that he bypassed his “wife’s back” to pay kickbacks to a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) official, aiming to secure profitable roadwork contracts. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is currently investigating allegations that Ibrahim Helmy, a former TfNSW employee, received $11.5 million in payments for facilitating contractors in obtaining roadwork jobs, often at inflated prices.
Mr. Helmy, who worked with TfNSW for 15 years, failed to appear at the ICAC earlier this month, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant. His current whereabouts remain unknown, according to NSW Police.
Emotional Testimony Unveils Corruption Allegations
On Thursday, Adam Spilsted, operations manager at Direct Traffic Pty Ltd, became emotional while recounting to the commission how he handed cash to Mr. Helmy “under the table” at a Merrylands restaurant to secure contracts for his business. “I was scared of not getting any work,” he admitted, adding, “Working for a government agency such as Transport for NSW is a privilege. I’ve done the wrong thing… It’s something I should have… reported.”
Mr. Helmy is alleged to have amassed over $11 million in kickbacks from the scheme. Mr. Spilsted testified that Mr. Helmy initially offered assistance in winning state government contracts, citing a personal connection with Mr. Spilsted’s father.
Inside the Alleged Kickback Scheme
The ICAC earlier learned that approximately $48 million in contracts were awarded by TfNSW to Direct Traffic Pty Ltd between 2018 and 2025. Mr. Spilsted disclosed that Mr. Helmy provided him with tender evaluation criteria and confidential information on competitors’ bids. However, during a 2018 meeting at Merrylands library, Mr. Helmy allegedly requested payment.
“In order for me to give you this work, I would expect some type of payment,” Mr. Helmy allegedly stated.
Counsel Assisting, Rob Rob Ranken SC, questioned Mr. Spilsted on whether he understood the impropriety of the request. “It was very improper,” Mr. Spilsted acknowledged.
Family Tensions and Secret Transactions
According to Mr. Spilsted, when he informed his wife, Mechelina Van Der Ende-Plakke, a director at Direct Traffic Pty Ltd, about Mr. Helmy’s demand for money, she opposed the idea. “She didn’t want to give him any money whatsoever,” he recounted. Despite her objections, Mr. Spilsted continued to make payments, initially using gift cards before resorting to large cash withdrawals.
He described how these transactions took place both in his car and “under the table” at an Egyptian restaurant in Merrylands. As the business secured more contracts, Mr. Helmy allegedly demanded increased payments. “Every time that I’d see him, he’d ask for money all the time,” Mr. Spilsted said.
Recorded Conversations and Legal Implications
The inquiry revealed that Mr. Helmy received millions in cryptocurrency, gold, and cash payments. Mr. Spilsted testified that Mr. Helmy eventually asked for approximately $600,000. When his wife discovered this demand, she threatened to report Mr. Helmy to TfNSW. Mr. Spilsted warned her against it, fearing severe repercussions for both of them due to their prior payments.
A phone conversation allegedly between Ms. Van Der Ende-Plakke and Mr. Helmy, recorded by Mr. Spilsted, was played during the hearing. In the recording, she expressed her shock, stating, “If we would go ahead with this [and] it would ever come out, it would not be good.” Mr. Helmy attempted to downplay the situation, admitting, “it is not 100 percent legal.”
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This unfolding scandal highlights significant issues within government contracting processes and raises questions about oversight and accountability. The ICAC’s investigation into Mr. Helmy and the broader implications for TfNSW and its contractors are ongoing, with potential consequences for involved parties and systemic practices.
As the hearing continues, the commission aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent future misconduct. The case underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in public sector operations.
