Foul Play Suspected in 2012 Disappearance of Melbourne Man Brendan Breen

Brendan Breen, a Melbourne man who vanished nearly 14 years ago, is now believed by police to have met with foul play. Breen was last seen in April 2012. Authorities recently arrested and interviewed a man in connection with the case, who has since been released pending further inquiries. Police are renewing appeals for public information regarding the disappearance.

Disappearance and Initial Concerns

Brendan Breen was last seen in Melbourne on April 12, 2012. He was reportedly seen with his girlfriend at the Hilton hotel in South Wharf following a holiday. He canceled dinner plans with his estranged wife via text message on May 9, 2012, and subsequently ceased answering her calls. Breen, who was 55 years old at the time of his disappearance, was reported missing by his former spouse approximately a month later.

Concerns about Breen's welfare intensified after he did not attend his daughter's wedding and, subsequently, her funeral in October 2018.

Police Investigation and Foul Play Determination

Detectives from Victoria's Missing Persons Squad have concluded that Breen was likely a victim of foul play. This determination follows a re-examination of the case and the observation that there has been no activity on his bank accounts or phone since his disappearance, nor any reported sightings.

Missing Persons Squad Inspector Dave Dunstan stated that Breen's non-attendance at his daughter's funeral served as a significant factor in the police's assessment. Investigators noted that Breen had several associates known to law enforcement, and these individuals remain an active area of inquiry.

Arrest and Ongoing Inquiries

Police have arrested a 42-year-old man from Brisbane in connection with Breen's disappearance. The man was interviewed by detectives from Victoria's Missing Persons Squad and subsequently released, with inquiries ongoing.

Background of Brendan Breen

Brendan Breen is the younger brother of former St Kilda footballer Barry Breen. He was unemployed at the time of his disappearance. Breen was a convicted fraudster with a criminal history that included multiple dishonesty offenses since his 40s. In 2007, he received a 5½-year jail sentence for his involvement in a fraud ring that used fake identification to commit frauds against banks and lenders; this sentence was later reduced on appeal. Breen had attempted to attribute his offending to a dissociative identity disorder, a claim disputed by the Crown.

He was also known by the aliases:

• Brendan Green
• Brian Greer
• Brian Green
• Brendan Lacombe
• Brendan Larcombe

Breen is described as 183 centimetres tall, with a medium build, an olive complexion, grey receding hair, and blue eyes.

Family Appeals for Information

Breen's twin sister, Fiona Dwyer, has publicly expressed the family's desire for closure. The family issued a renewed appeal for information last month.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information, regardless of how minor it may seem, to contact Crime Stoppers.