The father of missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez has given an emotional press conference today, pleading with messaging service WhatsApp to help police piece together the movements of the 18-year-old, who disappeared on the evening of May 31 in Byron Bay.
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Lehore (or Laurent) Hayez (he is credited as both in different publications) appeared before media at Tweed Heads police station, using the opportunity to beg the Facebook-owned WhatsApp for help in figuring out what happened to his son.
Theo was last captured on CCTV footage at 11.17pm on May 31 after leaving Cheeky Monkey’s nightclub, and can be seen using his mobile phone.
Theo’s father said:
We know that Theo used WhatsApp the night he disappeared. We understand the politics about confidentiality and respect that – however, this is a question of providing assistance to a person in grave danger. It is vital that investigators get access to Theo’s WhatsApp account without delay. Every minute counts.
Breaking down in tears, Mr Hayez continued:
Before I left Belgium, I promised Theo’s little brother that I would bring his brother home. Please, help me keep my promise to him. If you have any information and if you do not want to deal with the cops, or if you are afraid to come forward, please make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers.
Theo was reported missing on June 6 after not returning to his hostel, WakeUp!, and all his belongings remaining untouched. His cousin Lisa Hayez and Australian-based godfather Jean-Philippe Pector have been tirelessly searching for him, while a crowd-funding account helped raise the money for Mr Hayez to travel over to Australia to join the search.
If you have any information that could help police with their investigation, please visit Crimestoppers HERE or call them on 1800 333 000.
UPDATE: In response to this story, a WhatsApp spokesperson provided the following comment:
WhatsApp cares deeply about the safety of our users and our hearts go out to Theo Hayez and his family. We understand the important work being carried out by law enforcement and are assisting them in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service.
This term of service can be found right HERE.
