Rockefeller case possible homicide

Herman Rockefeller

Police investigating the disappearance of millionaire businessman Herman Rockefeller said he "may have met with foul play".

Police said at a press conference this morning that their inquiry may be lengthy, ABC local radio reported.

Earlier, homicide police admitted for the first time they hold grave fears for missing Melbourne businessman Herman Rockefeller, as they question two people over his disappearance.

Homicide and crime investigation police raided a house in South Street, Hadfield, on Thursday and took a 57-year-old man and 41-year-old woman into custody.

The house was raided about 4.30pm (6.30pm NZT) on Thursday.

Neighbours say the couple were driven away by detectives.

No charges have been laid.

Detectives and forensic scientists searched the house and property for evidence the Rockefeller had been there while officers asked if neighbours if they had seen the missing man report Australian news media.

This morning, three uniformed officers were guarding the scene, and shutters were drawn at the modern brick townhouse, which was cordoned off by police tape.

The townhouse is one of a block of six.

Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson said detectives had worked through the night and were yet to establish a motive for Mr Rockefeller's disappearance.

"Homicide squad detectives confirm they hold grave fears for Mr Rockefeller's welfare and investigations are continuing," she said in a statement.

Police had previously said they were keeping "an open mind" in their investigation.

Meanwhile, a Sydney man reportedly told police he had received calls and text message on Rockefeller's old mobile telephone, which he now owns, for the past year.

"Over the past 12 months I've had some calls and they've asked for Herman," said the owner of the phone, who would only identify himself as Mark.

"It's obviously interested the police. They said they will send somebody around to download all the stuff," he said, adding that some of the messages were personal.

Rockefeller went missing soon after arriving at Melbourne Airport from an interstate business trip on the night of Thursday, 21 January.

The Hadfield townhouse is less than 15 minutes from the airport.

Rockefeller has not officially been sighted since, although police are investigating several reported sightings including one at a general store at Gordon, about ten kilometres from where his abandoned car was found.

Police initially believed Rockefeller may have disappeared voluntarily and might have had a mental breakdown, The Age reports.

However, police have now established Rockefeller was not the victim of a carjacking, have no evidence of a kidnapping, and there is nothing to indicate he was an extortion or robbery victim.

- AAP, NZ HERALD STAFF