$100,000 reward for information into man’s disappearance, suspected murder – Strike Force Optimum

The sister of a man reported missing in July last year has made an emotional appeal for public assistance.

The New South Wales Government has announced a $100,000 reward to locate 30-year-old Mohammed Ayman Abouhait, who was last seen leaving a house in Basilisk Place at Whalan on 25 July 2010.

There are also reports of Mr Abouhait being seen with a man described as being Asian in appearance at Boronia Road in North St Marys on 25 July 2010.

The pair arrived at the location in an older model burgundy-coloured Toyota Camry and the car was last seen parked in Wilkes Crescent at Tregear.

Mr Abouhait was reported missing to Police on 30 July 2010 after failed attempts by his girlfriend and family members to contact him.

Strike Force Optimum, which comprises officers attached to Campsie Local Area Command, was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohammed’s disappearance and suspected murder.

His sister, Inas Karem, has pleaded for anyone who knows what happened to Mohammed to come forward.

“My brother was a loving and caring family member, but when we held my mother’s funeral last August, Mohammed didn’t attend,” Inas said.

“When I went to his Lakemba home, he wasn’t there and the place had been ransacked.”

“I am extremely concerned about where he is and what has happened to him.”

“If something has happened to my brother, let us know so we can finally come to terms with it and grieve properly.”

“Don’t leave us wondering – please – if you know anything about Mohammed’s disappearance and suspected murder, I appeal to you to come forward and speak with police.”

Campsie Crime Manager, Detective Inspector John Betell, says the $100,000 reward will hopefully assist in convincing someone to come forward with vital information.

“Our investigation has been ongoing since July last year, but we are desperate to get fresh information from members of the public,” Det Insp Betell said.

“Following information received from the public, investigators conducted a search near the Great Western Highway at Minchinbury on 15 December last year and seized a number of items including mobile phone parts, which have undergone forensic examination.”

“Information from the public also resulted in police divers searching the Nepean River at Penrith, where they located firearms and firearm parts, possibly linked to this investigation.

“The public have been of great assistance so far and we are appealing for them to continue to contact us with information about Mohammed’s disappearance or his current whereabouts.”

“Mr Abouhait is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance with an olive complexion, about 180-185cm tall with a medium build.”

“He has brown eyes and dark hair with a trimmed beard, and was last seen wearing a grey and black hooded zipped jacket with an ‘Asics’ logo.”

“I’d appeal for anyone with information to contact Campsie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

“All information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” Det Insp Betell said.

Do you have information that can help police with this case?

Any information you have about this is worth giving to police, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

You can provide information to police via any of the methods below:

Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Your help may give police the clue they need to close this case and provide some comfort for the families of victims.

How to claim your reward

  1. Contact Crime Stoppers or your local Police Station.
  2. Identify yourself and indicate you have information about a crime and that you wish to claim a reward.
  3. You will then be put in contact with a police officer involved in the investigation of that case.