Benjamin Millar
Police are scouring the Jacksons Creek area in Diggers Rest for the body of Adelaide man Kerry Giakoumis amidst fears of foul play in his disappearance.
Investigators believe the 29-year-old has been murdered, with no trace of the man since he was last seen at the Hells Angels club house in Thomastown in the early hours of June 10 last year.
Divers from the Search and Rescue Squad have joined other police in searching Jacksons Creek and surrounds this week after new information came to light during the investigation into the mystery disappearance.
Mr Giakoumis had travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne on June 5 with two associates who police believe are members of the Hells Angels.
He had told family that he intended to work in Melbourne as a concreter.
Mr Giakoumis’ mother had booked a flight for him to return to Adelaide on June 10, but her son never boarded the flight and his family has not heard from him since.
They reported his disappearance to police, who established a taskforce to investigate Kerry’s disappearance and suspected murder.
Detectives believe a dispute took place on the night Mr Giakoumis was last seen, possibly connected with other members or associates of the Hells Angels OMCG.
Detective Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said the Victoria Police investigation into the disappearance has been significant.
“We’ve created a taskforce involving specialist detectives with experience in the investigation of missing persons, murder and outlaw motorcycle gangs because we believe this gives us the best opportunity to solve this case,” he said.
“We are committed to following up every avenue of enquiry and holding those with any level of culpability in relation to Kerry’s suspected death responsible.”
Detective Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said police have believed for some time that he has met with foul play and all the information received points to that being the case.
“We have information that his body may potentially have been dumped in Jacksons Creek near Diggers Rest and we’ve had our Search and Rescue police, along with specialist divers, out there meticulously looking for any trace of Kerry,” he said.
“There will be people out there who have information about what happened to Kerry and who is responsible, and again I am appealing for those people to come forward and speak to police.
“I would also stress that this can be done anonymously.”
Investigators would also like to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Jacksons Creek area around the time Mr Giakoumis went missing.
Police have released a new image of a man they are trying to identify as part of this appeal.
This man was seen in a group of men who were in the company of Mr Giakoumis on the night of his disappearance.
Investigators are also re-releasing a number of images of Mr Giakoumis.
Anyone with information about Kerry’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
