A former transport official was arrested after evading authorities for several months. Ibrahim Helmy, 38, was taken into custody last month and brought to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in handcuffs. His arrest followed his failure to appear before the commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption involving him.

Helmy worked for Transport for NSW for 15 years and is accused of receiving $11.5 million in payments for assisting contractors in securing roadwork contracts, often at inflated prices. During the inquiry, Helmy acknowledged that he was aware of the ICAC summons and the warrant issued for his arrest. He even admitted to watching the first day of public hearings in July via ICAC's live stream.

Counsel Assisting Rob Ranken SC questioned Helmy about his awareness of the commission's efforts to locate him. Helmy confirmed that he had heard Ranken's opening address, which stated that steps were being taken to bring him before the commission. When asked if he had heard Ranken urge him to come forward voluntarily, Helmy stated he did not recall that plea. However, he claimed he had intended to come forward.

Before he was scheduled to answer questions in May, Helmy moved to a new address in Lakemba, where he paid $175 per week in cash to live with two individuals he did not know. He remained at that location when the public hearings began.

On September 26, police located Helmy at the Lakemba address. Ranken suggested that Helmy had attempted to evade arrest, asking if police found him hiding in a cupboard. Helmy confirmed this but added that he was "getting something from the cupboard" when officers arrived. He was found in possession of two mobile phones at the time of his arrest.

The inquiry has revealed that Helmy allegedly assisted roadwork companies in securing lucrative contracts with Transport for NSW in exchange for cash, cryptocurrency, gold, and gift cards. The investigation is ongoing.