John Swiety could have met with 'foul play' as search continues after Goongerah vanishing

Police fear a missing man who vanished in regional Victoria three months ago could have met with foul play. 

Victoria Police said on Tuesday they believe John Swiety, 57, may have met with ‘foul play’ around March 17, when he was last seen in the remote town of Goongerah, more than five hours east of Melbourne.

Investigators said they believe Mr Swiety and another man, 47, described as an ‘associate’, left Morwell in a white Hiace van on the morning of his disappearance.

Victoria Police said on Tuesday they believe John Swiety, 57, may have met with ‘foul play’ around March 17, when he was last seen in the remote town of Goongerah, more than five hours east of Melbourne 

Investigators said they have ascertained that Mr Swiety and another man, 47, described as an ‘associate’ left Morwell in a white Hiace van on the morning of his disappearance

They said the pair travelled to the Ironark Track in Goongerah, where Mr Swiety was last seen.

At about 8am Mr Swiety got out of the van, leaving his two terriers inside, and has not been seen since.

Mr Swiety’s associate was found by hunters about 6am the next day after he became bogged about 30kms south east of Ironbark Track.

On the same afternoon, investigators said, Mr Swiety’s two dogs were found wandering the Bonang Hwy in Goongerah.

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They said Mr Swiety’s associate had been interviewed a number of times by detectives, and is assisting with the investigation.

Detective Inspector David Dunstan, from the Missing Person Squad, said police were keen to speak with anyone with knowledge of what Mr Swiety was doing near the Ironbark Track or who might have seen the white van in the area that night.

‘We currently hold grave fears for John’s welfare and his disappearance is considered to be very much out of character,’ Detective Inspector Dunstan said.

‘Investigators are keen to know more about John’s movements in the days leading up to his disappearance,’ he said.

‘We’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who has further information on what John was doing near the Ironbark Track or anyone who might have seen him or the white van in that area on the night.’

Victoria Police said they would like to speak to anyone who saw this van travelling between Morwell and Goongerah on March 17

Detective Inspector Dunstan said Mr Swiety’s family were ‘desperate’ for answers.

‘Over the last three months, both Missing Persons Squad and local detectives have made a significant number of inquiries in order to try and establish John’s whereabouts, however we haven’t been able to locate him,’ he said.

‘We’re appealing for anyone who does have information, whether that is from anyone who had seen John or knows where he may currently be, to come forward and contact police.’

‘John’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide them.’

Police have released an image of the white van, and would like to speak to anyone who saw it on March 17 travelling between Morwell and Goongerah.