A 60-year-old retiree who vanished more than two years ago was killed by a man who subsequently accessed his bank accounts and renovated his property, Leicester Crown Court heard on Wednesday.
Ibrahim Yosif, 44, faces accusations of murdering Gary Piatek, who went missing on 18 April 2024 after an evening spent drinking in pubs across Leicester. Yosif then relocated his family into the missing man's residence on Broad Avenue.
During the opening of the prosecution's case, the court learned that Yosif and his relatives emptied Piatek's bank accounts
"because they were confident that Gary Piatek would never say a thing".
Yosif, of Broad Avenue, Leicester, and Omed Firuzmand, 25, of Ashley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, both deny murder and preventing a lawful burial. Six additional defendants also face charges connected to Piatek's disappearance.
Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC outlined the Crown's case against the eight defendants, describing Piatek as a man living an
"unassuming life"in the Evington area, where he had resided for nearly his entire life. Piatek had inherited the Broad Avenue home from his parents, according to court proceedings in February 2026.
Sandhu told the jury that by April 2024, Piatek had effectively retired and received a pension sufficient for his modest circumstances.
"Gary Piatek would have continued living perfectly happily in that way, save for what happened on the 18th of April of 2024."
What happened on the day he vanished?
On 18 April 2024, Piatek followed his usual routine by leaving his home and travelling by bus into Leicester city centre, where he visited several public houses. However, that evening proved fateful.
"Gary Piatek went missing. He has not been seen since, he has not been heard from."
The prosecution contends that
"there has been neither sight nor sound of Gary Piatek because he was murdered". Sandhu argued that within days of his disappearance, Yosif commenced extensive renovation work on the property, fundamentally altering it for his own family's occupation.
What searches have been conducted?
Police launched a murder investigation and undertook comprehensive searches at the Broad Avenue property, including demolishing its extension. According to police reports from August 2026, investigators employed ground-penetrating radar and specialist equipment during their examination of the site, though no human remains were discovered.
In August 2026, police also searched an address in Spalding as part of their ongoing inquiries, though no arrests resulted from that operation.
What other evidence has emerged?
A court hearing in February 2026 revealed that two defendants faced accusations of washing items including blankets and pillows, suggesting attempts to conceal evidence related to the alleged crime.
When will the trial proceed?
The murder trial is scheduled to commence on 12 October 2026 and could extend for up to eight weeks, according to court scheduling information.
Key Facts
- Gary Piatek, 60, disappeared on 18 April 2024 after visiting pubs in Leicester and has not been seen or heard from since
- Ibrahim Yosif, 44, and Omed Firuzmand, 25, deny murder and preventing a lawful burial; six other defendants face related charges
- The prosecution alleges Yosif's family drained Piatek's bank accounts and renovated his inherited home after his disappearance
- Extensive police searches using ground-penetrating radar and specialist equipment found no remains at the property
- The trial is expected to begin on 12 October 2026 and may last up to eight weeks
