Former Casey mayor Sam Aziz claims his return from Egypt to Australia was thwarted because he was experiencing heart palpitations, shortness of breath and was sweating so profusely that airline staff stopped him from boarding a flight over concerns he might suffer a heart attack.

Councillor Aziz, who has been sacked along with the entire City of Casey Council by the Andrews government, made the dramatic claim in an affidavit filed as part of a legal bid to prevent his assets being seized as the proceeds of crime.

Former Casey mayor Sam Aziz Credit:James Taylor

The affidavit was sworn by Mr Aziz’s solicitor, Jeremy Peck, of Moray & Agnew Lawyers. It says the 47-year-old is too ill with a chronic heart condition, diabetes and mental health concerns to appear in person at a hearing in the County Court scheduled for next week.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) obtained a restraining order over Mr Aziz’s Berwick home and loan account as part of Operation Sandon, an investigation into potentially corrupt conduct involving members of the Casey council and developer and planning guru John Woodman.