Salim Mehajer guilty of electoral fraud relating to Auburn council

Controversial businessman Salim Mehajer plotted with sister Fatima to get a seat on a Sydney council, magistrate rules.

Former deputy mayor of Auburn council Salim Mehajer has been found guilty of electoral fraud. Picture: AAP

Controversial Sydney businessman Salim Mehajer has been found guilty of being part of a 2012 electoral fraud plot that helped put him on Auburn City Council.

In Central Local Court today, magistrate Beverley Schurr found him guilty of multiple charges relating to plotting with his younger sister, Fatima Mehajer, who has previously pleaded guilty to 77 charges.

Mehajer was released from jail last week after being granted bail on a charge of perverting the course of justice for the alleged staging of a car accident on his way to face court last year on assault charges.

The magistrate is reading out her lengthy decision, but at the start said she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mehager, 31, was part of the joint criminal enterprise relating to false documents and information.

He was accused of submitting enrolment forms that gave false addresses in the Auburn area.

His 28-year-old sister has admitted 77 charges of giving false or misleading information.

Salim, who was recently declared bankrupt, is on a good behaviour bond in relation to assault charges.

His bail conditions for the pervert the course of justice charge include reporting to police twice daily and a $200,000 surety.

AAP