Victoria Police have made a dramatic appeal for public assistance, announcing a $500,000 reward for information that solves the mysterious disappearance of Dezi Freeman, a man last seen in the quiet Victorian town of Porepunkah nearly half a year ago.
The 53-year-old was last captured on CCTV footage in the early hours of March 14th, 2025, walking along the Great Alpine Road. Despite an extensive land and air search operation involving local police, the Missing Persons Squad, and SES volunteers, no trace of him has ever been found.
An Emotional Plea from a Desperate Family
Mr. Freeman's family, described by police as "absolutely devastated," have broken their silence with a heart-wrenching public plea. His sister, Jodie Freeman, spoke directly to the community, stating, "We just want to know where he is... We miss him and we love him and we just need some answers."
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper, leading the investigation, emphasised the unusual nature of the case. "For someone to vanish without a trace, leaving behind all his personal belongings, is completely out of character for Dezi," he stated. "We hold grave concerns for his welfare and believe someone in the community holds the key to this puzzle."
A Community Baffled by a Six-Month Mystery
The investigation, dubbed Operation Arte, has followed numerous lines of inquiry, yet all have led to dead ends. Police are now convinced that members of the public, potentially even those unaware of the significance of what they know, possess crucial information.
The substantial reward is reserved for information that leads to the discovery of Mr. Freeman. Authorities are urging anyone who was in the Porepunkah or Bright area on that night, no matter how insignificant their sighting or detail may seem, to come forward immediately.
Dezi Freeman is described as being about 180cm tall with a solid build, short grey hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jumper, dark-coloured shorts, and was carrying a blue rain jacket.
