The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has unravelled a web of corruption involving three former Hurstville councillors. 

Vincenzo Badalati, Constantine Hindi, and Philip Sansom have been implicated in accepting cash and gifts from a Chinese property developer, Ching Wah (Philip) Uy, in exchange for advancing the developer's interests in Hurstville.

The three individuals, who served on the Hurstville Council before its merger with Kogarah Council in 2016 to create the Georges River Council, now face serious allegations of corrupt conduct.

The ICAC's investigation revealed that Badalati and Hindi received approximately $170,000 each from Uy as a reward for favouring two proposed projects in Hurstville, specifically the Landmark Square Treacy Street developments. 

They failed to declare conflicts of interest and went on to cast votes in favour of these development proposals.

It was revealed that Hindi concealed his financial stake in the Landmark Square planning proposal through his wife's involvement in the development. 

This conflict of interest was tied to substantial gains, as her real estate agency stood to profit $500,000 from the development.

Furthermore, the ICAC discovered that between 2007 and 2018, Badalati and Sansom made frequent trips to China and Hong Kong, sometimes travelling together, sometimes alone. 

These trips were taken despite their awareness that their positions as public officials would be exploited to endorse and promote property developments. 

The ICAC's findings also pointed to the possibility of escorts being involved during these trips, though it did not specify who footed the bill for their services.

The corruption scandal extends beyond these three former councillors. The ICAC report suggests that another individual and the developer, Ching Wah (Philip) Uy, should also be considered for prosecution.

In light of the shocking revelations, the ICAC has issued 11 recommendations to the Department of Planning and Environment. 

Among these recommendations is a call to amend the 'Model Code of Conduct' to expressly prohibit council officials from accepting inappropriate gifts and benefits. 

Additionally, the ICAC recommends amendments to the Local Government Act 1993, requiring governing bodies of councils to provide reasons for approving or rejecting development applications, planning proposals, and planning agreements when such decisions deviate from staff recommendations.