'Justice needs to be served': Family offer $1million reward to find killer who shot Black Swan dip tycoon in the head during botched robbery 18 years ago

  • The son of murdered Melbourne businessman has produced a huge cash reward
  • Christos Saristavros, 44, was gunned down near his Box Hill home 18 years ago 
  • Investigations into the Black Swan dip tycoon's killer never gained traction
  • Saristavros' son Stavros has attached a $1million reward for information

The distraught family of a man who was murdered nearly two decades ago have attached a huge cash reward to any information leading to his killer's conviction.

Black Swan dip tycoon Christos Saristavros was gunned down in front of his east Melbourne home over 18 years ago in what police suspect was a botched robbery.

Despite grainy CCTV footage from a nearby convenience store and strong technological advancements, no strong leads have ever been made in the murder investigation.

Now, Mr Saristavros' son Stavros is leading his family's passionate plea for information, offering $1million for help catching his dad's killer.

Black Swan dip tycoon Christos Saristavros (right) was gunned down in front of his east Melbourne home over 18 years ago in what police suspect was a botched robbery

Black Swan dip tycoon Christos Saristavros (right) was gunned down in front of his east Melbourne home over 18 years ago in what police suspect was a botched robbery

Stavros Saristavros (pictured), the son of a murdered Melbourne businessman, has attached $1million reward for information on his father's killer

Stavros Saristavros (pictured), the son of a murdered Melbourne businessman, has attached $1million reward for information on his father's killer

Stavros announced the reward on Sunday, saying it's a small price to pay for 'justice'.

'Time heals wounds, it dulls the pain, but never dulls the memory. It's always at this time of year you notice someone is missing,' he told Nine News.

'For me, my father was the greatest father in the world.

'Justice needs to be served. Not just for closure for our family, for the community as well.' 

All of Stavros' sons retained parts of their grandfather's name - including the eldest who is also called Christos. 

A $100,000 reward was first offered 15 years ago, but was reiterated Sunday.

Police released an image of the man wanted for the murder of Christos Saristavros

Police released an image of the man wanted for the murder of Christos Saristavros

Melbourne businessman Christos Saristavros was gunned down nearly two decades ago

Melbourne businessman Christos Saristavros was gunned down nearly two decades ago

Mr Saristavros was 44 years old when he was shot and killed in October 2000.

He and his wife, Tammy, had attended a charity function in Melbourne's southeast when they arrived home.

Waiting for them was Mr Saristavros' eventual murderer, who unloaded a bullet in the man's chest.

Mr Saristavros gave chase as his attacker fled before he was eventually shot and killed with a bullet to the head.

He died in his wife's arms.

Mr Saristavros died in his wife, Tammy's arms (pictured together right) after chasing his attacker up the road

Mr Saristavros died in his wife, Tammy's arms (pictured together right) after chasing his attacker up the road

Recognised as a pioneer of humble beginnings, Mr Saristavros transformed his grandmother's recipes for Greek dips he learnt in her kitchen into one of Australia's most iconic food brands

Recognised as a pioneer of humble beginnings, Mr Saristavros transformed his grandmother's recipes for Greek dips he learnt in her kitchen into one of Australia's most iconic food brands

Recognised as a pioneer of humble beginnings, Mr Saristavros transformed his grandmother's recipes for Greek dips he learnt in her kitchen into one of Australia's most iconic food brands before it was sold by the family several years ago.

On the night of his murder he was returning home after a charity event for disadvantaged Cypriot children.

Along with his wife, he left the fundraiser at around 10pm, before the fundraiser had finished, saying he wanted to get up early for work the next day.

Advertisement

Family offer $1M reward to find killer who shot Black Swan dip tycoon in head during robbery in 2000

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

What's This?

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.