In a dramatic court hearing, fugitive developer Jean Nassif was accused of supplying 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, and encrypted Ciphr phones for coordinating a secretive “dead drop” in Perth. The accusations unfolded in the District Court of Western Australia, shedding light on a complex and clandestine operation.
The explosive allegations implicated Nassif, 56, in orchestrating the transfer of a sports bag containing methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $10 million, placed in the boot of a Ford Falcon in Sydney. The court heard that Mathew Peagram, known as DJ Pgram, and his accomplice Samuel Wood were tasked with transporting the drugs to Perth.
According to court documents, Peagram and Wood traveled from Melbourne to Sydney, where they met Nassif in the early hours of April 4, 2021. Nassif allegedly provided the drugs and encrypted phones, assigning codenames for communication. Peagram claimed Nassif instructed them to deliver cash to Perth and provided further directions via the encrypted phones.
Despite suspicions about the legality of their task, Peagram and Wood proceeded with the instructions, culminating in a rendezvous at Blackadder Creek Reserve in Perth. Peagram received instructions for the “dead drop” through text messages, realizing the nature of the exchange but feeling too deeply involved to withdraw.
The operation came to a halt when police intercepted Wood’s Ciphr phone signal upon crossing the border, leading to arrests. Subsequently, Thomas McMahon, another associate, attempted to retrieve the drugs but was apprehended by authorities.
The court heard of Nassif’s financial pressures, including a $30 million pursuit by the Tax Office and challenges with completing the Skyview Towers development. Nassif’s alleged involvement in the drug trade was not directly charged in the Perth incident but has raised questions about his activities.
The hearing underscored the sophisticated nature of the operation, involving encrypted communication and coordinated logistics across state borders. Peagram and Wood, described as lower-level operatives, await sentencing while authorities continue to investigate Nassif’s alleged involvement.
Nassif, currently a fugitive in Lebanon, faces additional allegations related to falsifying presale contracts for securing a bank loan. The revelations shed light on the complex web of criminal activities and financial improprieties surrounding Nassif’s enterprises.
