Damir Kocan: Police Suspect Foul Play After 2023 Disappearance
Three years after Damir Kocan vanished, Zurich police now believe he was the victim of a violent crime and are requesting public assistance.
Quick facts
- Damir Kocan was last seen on July 27, 2023, near the Neugasshof restaurant in Zurich.
- The Kantonspolizei Zürich is offering a 10,000 CHF reward for information leading to the case's resolution.
- A person of interest, Aydin Mece, is believed to have left Switzerland in August 2023.
Why it matters
The shift in police status from a standard missing persons case to a suspected violent crime indicates that investigators have uncovered specific evidence over the past three years. The international nature of the appeal reflects the complexity of cases where suspects or witnesses may have fled the country, complicating jurisdictional cooperation.
Three years after Damir Kocan went missing, the Kantonspolizei Zürich has announced that they now suspect he was the victim of a violent crime. The 46-year-old was last seen on the evening of July 27, 2023, near the Neugasshof restaurant in Zurich's District 5.
What happened?
According to police reports, Kocan was seen entering a BMW 530d (ZH 581 847) as a passenger shortly after 7:00 PM. The vehicle traveled on the A1 motorway toward Olten. He has not been heard from since. Investigators have identified a person of interest, Aydin Mece, who was 40 years old at the time. Authorities believe Mece was one of the last people to see Kocan alive and may currently be residing in Turkey, having left Switzerland in early August 2023.
Why this is trending in Switzerland
The case gained renewed national attention following an appeal by the Kantonspolizei Zürich on the television program Aktenzeichen XY International. Public interest is high due to the police's updated assessment of the situation as a violent crime and the announcement of a 10,000 CHF reward for information.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that the police are treating the case as a violent crime and are actively seeking witnesses who can provide information about the circumstances of the disappearance. While police suspect the involvement of Aydin Mece, his exact current location and the specific events that transpired after the vehicle left Zurich remain unconfirmed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Kantonspolizei Zürich at 058 648 48 48.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Damir Kocan?
Damir Kocan is a man who went missing from Zurich on July 27, 2023. At the time of his disappearance, he was 46 years old, approximately 175 centimeters tall, and of slim build.
Why are police now investigating this as a crime?
Based on their ongoing investigation, the Kantonspolizei Zürich has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to suspect that Damir Kocan was the victim of a violent crime rather than simply a missing person.
Is there a reward for information?
Yes, the Kantonspolizei Zürich has officially posted a reward of 10,000 CHF for any information that leads to the clarification of Damir Kocan’s disappearance.
Who is the main person of interest?
Police have identified Aydin Mece as a person of interest. He is believed to have been the driver of the vehicle Kocan entered and is thought to have left Switzerland for Turkey in August 2023.
Where was Damir Kocan last seen?
Damir Kocan was last seen on the evening of July 27, 2023, near the Neugasshof restaurant in District 5 of Zurich before getting into a vehicle heading toward Olten via the A1.
How can I provide information to the police?
If you have information regarding the disappearance of Damir Kocan, you are requested to contact the Kantonspolizei Zürich directly at 058 648 48 48.
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- Last updated
- Oct 8, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Last checked Oct 8, 2026 at 11:15 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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