The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the suspected murder of Mahmoud Sleiman, who disappeared more than 23 years ago.
Mahmoud Sleiman, then aged 24, was last seen outside his home at Greystanes about 7.30am on Sunday, February 2 2003. At the time he was see speaking with a man in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, before he entered the vehicle and was driven away.
When he failed to return home, family members reported him missing later that day. It was also reported that when they called his mobile phone later that night, they believed they could hear a man screaming before the call ended.
Detectives attached to Task Force Gain investigated the disappearance, with inquiries indicating Mahmoud Sleiman may have fallen victim to organised criminal activity.
As investigations continued, police pursued numerous lines of inquiry and conducted extensive searches, including examinations of bushland at Moxham Reserve in Northmead and sections of the Parramatta River near Northmead in February 2004.
Investigators received information that Mahmoud Sleiman had been involved in disputes with criminal rivals prior to his disappearance, and detectives have long held concerns that he was killed shortly after he was last seen.
On Tuesday, June 5 2007, a coronial inquest was conducted at Westmead Coroners Court. The NSW Deputy State Coroner found Mahmoud Sleiman was deceased, likely from Sunday, February 2 2003, but was unable to determine the cause of his death other than finding it suspicious.
Following the inquest, the matter was referred for ongoing investigation by the State Crime Command’s Unsolved Homicide Unit under Strike Force Motoren.
Despite extensive inquiries over two decades, no person has been charged, and Mahmoud Sleiman’s body has never been located.
As part of ongoing inquiries, police have today announced a $1,000,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Mahmoud’s disappearance or death.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said detectives are determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Mahmoud Sleiman.
“Those responsible for Mahmoud Sleiman’s disappearance may believe the passage of time has put them beyond the reach of investigators. They would be mistaken,” Doueihi said.
“We know there are people who hold information about Mahmoud’s disappearance and suspected murder. Relationships change, allegiances shift and circumstances evolve over time.
“This reward is a significant opportunity for anyone with information to come forward and help investigators provide answers to Mahmoud’s family and hold those responsible to account.”
Jody Swift, Mahmoud’s partner said for more than 23 years, the family has lived with unanswered questions and the pain of not knowing what happened to Mahmoud.
“Mahmoud was more than a missing person. He was a son, a brother, a partner and a father who was taken from the people who loved him,” Jody said.
“Billy grew up a beautiful man, but it was hard for him not having a father figure. At times he really needed that male role model in his life.
“We would like Mahmoud’s story to come out of the darkness. If someone knows what happened, please find the courage to come forward.”
Billy Sleiman, Mahmoud’s son, said growing up without his father had shaped every stage of his life.
“My Dad disappeared when I was a child, and I have spent more than 23 years wondering what happened to him. No family should have to live with that uncertainty,” Billy said.
“Growing up without a father wasn’t easy. There were moments when I needed his guidance, his support and his presence, but he wasn’t there. Those are things you never get back.
“If someone knows what happened to my Dad, I hope they find the courage to speak to police. Even after all this time, that information could make the difference.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.