The NSW Police Force has announced a $1 million reward for information into the murder of a Blacktown business owner more than two decades ago.
Emergency services were called to an auto wrecker on Tattersall Road, Blacktown, about 10am on Monday 11 December 1995, after the body of 52-year-old Hasan Dastan was found inside the workshop. He had suffered extensive skull and facial bone fractures.
A post mortem examination found he died of severe blunt force trauma to the head and face.
Local police, with assistance from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad, conducted a thorough investigation at the time, however, no one was charged over his murder.
In 2018, detectives from the Unsolved Homicide Unit established Strike Force Biltine II to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Dastan's murder.
The reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for Mr Dastan's murder was increased from $100,000 to $1 million today (Tuesday 28 January 2020).
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, welcomed the reward, which he hoped would be the incentive for those who know what happened to come forward.
"It's been 24 years since Mr Dastan was brutally murdered. He was a father, he ran a successful business and was a well-respected member in the Turkish and wider community," Det Supt Doherty said.
"Strike Force detectives are confident that members of the Turkish community know what happened to Mr Dastan but, for whatever reason, have been reluctant to come forward."
Strike Force Biltine II investigators have conducted a thorough review of the case over the past two years.
"Earlier inquiries have been strengthened as a result of a case review and we are confident this $1 million reward may just be the motivation for someone who knows something to get in touch with us and lead to an arrest," Det Supt Doherty said.
"We welcome any information from the community that may assist our inquiries and help bring us closer to providing answers for his family."
Mr Dastan's daughter, Yasemin Sevim, said her family has suffered a loss that is hard to describe.
"It's heartbreaking to know my dad was living his life, and then someone – or some people – took all of that away from him and from us.
"My dad's death took a huge toll on mum and we deserve answers, especially after waiting 24 years.
"We believe that someone knows what happened to my dad, and on behalf of our family, I'm asking that you come forward; now is the time to do the right thing and contact police."
The $1 million reward is available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Mr Dastan's death.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Biltine II investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
