A former council official in western Sydney is to appear before the NSW corruption watchdog accused of receiving cash bribes and sexual favours in return for turning a blind eye to illegal brothels.

Wade Fryar worked for Parramatta City Council until recently, policing the council's regulation of sexual services.

In his opening address to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), council assisting the commission, Michael King, SC, said Fryar had been caught red-handed with a bribe.

"Mr Fryar was intercepted by officers of this commission shortly after collecting a corrupt payment of $400 from one [brothel] operator," Mr King said.

Fryar is due to appear before ICAC this morning on the first day of what is expected to be a five-day hearing.

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