Detectives from Victoria’s Police Missing Persons Squad are today appealing for information as part of their investigation into the 2012 suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen.
The then 55-year-old (pictured) was last seen in Melbourne on 12 April, 2012.
In a statement, Victoria Police said Mr Breen was reported missing to police in 9 May 2012 by his separated spouse, who he remained on good terms with.
“She became concerned when he cancelled dinner with her last minute via text message and then stopped answering her phone calls,” Police said.
“They were initially unsure whether Brendan had chosen to disappear of his own accord.
“A public appeal was also issued, however this did not lead to any further information about Brendan’s whereabouts.”
Despite a number of enquiries over the next few years, Mr Breen has not been located.
“All unsolved missing persons cases in Victoria are subject to regular review and detectives from the Missing Persons Squad re-examined Brendan’s case last year,” said Detective Inspector, Dave Dunstan.
“This led to a number of avenues of enquiry being re-visited, in the hope they may provide fresh leads about what has happened to Brendan.
“However it remains a mystery and we are hopeful that today’s renewed appeal can bring us closer to answers.”
In October 2018, Mr Breen failed to appear at his daughter’s funeral and his family believed this to be out of character as the pair were close.
“This was really the catalyst for the Missing Persons Squad taking over the investigation, however we have also been unable to locate Brendan,” said Det Insp Dunstan.
“There are a number of aspects about his disappearance that continue to give us cause for concern, especially the length of time he has been missing with no trace whatsoever.
“We know he had a number of associates who were also known to police, and while they have been spoken to over the years, this remains an active avenue of enquiry for investigators.
“While 14 years have passed, we strongly believe there are still people out there who know what has happened to Brendan, who is involved and why this has happened.
“Even the smallest detail could be what leads us to a breakthrough and hopefully, puts us in a position to give Brendan’s family some answers.”
Detectives now believe his disappearance is suspicious, and he has most likely met with foul play.
His bank accounts and phone have never been accessed, and there has never been any reported sightings.
Mr Breen was known to Victoria Police and had previously been charged with fraud offences, spending several years in a correctional facility.
Over the past 14 years, police have spoken to a range of Brendan’s friends and associates in an effort to try and determine his whereabouts, who may be involved in his disappearance and any possible motivation for causing him harm.
Mr Breen is described as 183cm tall with a medium build, olive complexion, grey receding hair and blue eyes.
He was also previously known by the name Brendan Green, Brian Greer and Brendan Lacombe.
Police are also re-releasing images of Mr Breen in the hope that they will assist people to come forward with information about his disappearance.
Anyone with any information regarding Brendan’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
