Missing Persons Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the 2003 suspicious disappearance of Thornbury man Nick Falos.
The 58-year-old was last seen on Friday 14 March 2003 about 8.30 am, as he drove his car along Albion Street in Brunswick.
Nick’s red Porsche coupe bearing registration JD 944 was discovered burnt out in the Yarra State Forest at the intersection of Mt Beenak Road and Torbetts Road, near Gladysdale, three days later on 17 March.
Nick was also known to drive a brown 1975 Holden sedan, however this vehicle was found parked at his home address.
A neighbour became concerned after they hadn’t seen Nick for several weeks and reported him missing on 1 April, 2003.
Police conducted an extensive search of bushland near Gladysdale on 16 May, 2003 but were unable to locate him.
Nick’s disappearance is considered suspicious and sadly, investigators believe Nick is likely to have been murdered.
Investigators believe a phone call was made from a pay phone to Nick on the morning of Saturday, 15 March 2003.
Police also received separate information from a number of sources around the time of his disappearance about cannabis cultivation in the Yarra State Park and Yarra Junction areas.
Investigators are still looking into whether this is connected to Nick’s disappearance.
On 17 August 2018, a then 77-year-old Endeavour Hills man was arrested in relation to Nick’s disappearance.
A second man, then aged 84 from Devon Meadows, was also arrested on 14 August 2018.
Both men were released without charge and the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators have released a number of images, including a photo of Nick along with an image of a vehicle similar to his red Porsche, in the hope someone will remember seeing him or the car and be able to provide police with information.
Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who recalls seeing Nick or his red Porsche in the Yarra Junction area on 15 or 16 March, 2003.
Nick was of Greek heritage and also went by the name Nikolaos Falieros, and he was a well known member of the Greek community in the Thornbury area.
In September 2020, police announced a $1M reward for information in relation to Nick’s disappearance and likely murder.
A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Nick Falos.
The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
While almost 20 years have passed, investigators believe there are still people out there with information that could help solve this case and give Nick’s family some answers.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.(opens in a new window)
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