Sydney man captured on CCTV days before body mysteriously found in notorious river

Police have released CCTV images of the final moments of a Sydney man who was later found dead in a notorious waterway in the city’s west.

The body of Auburn man Jaafar Dawlat, 27, was found by a fisherman on the western side Duck River in Clyde on December 30, near an old oil refinery.

He was later identified by a friend who recognised his distinctive tattoos after a call-out for information by police.

Mr Dawlat had suffered no obvious injuries, had no history of mental health issues and police are yet to determine how he died one month on.

Security video from around 4.20pm on December 27, released by the NSW Police Force today, captured Mr Dawlat near the river and wearing dark shorts and a t-shirt.

The video is believed to show his last known movements.

Police wish to speak to the driver of a silver Mitsubishi Lancer, with registration BLW33P, spotted in the area at the same time as Mr Dawlat.

Duck River and Duck Creek have become infamous in recent years as a body dumping ground used by criminal gangs.

The bound and gagged body of South Wentworthville man Darren Galea, 34, was found under the Duck River Bridge in Auburn in January 2014.

He had been shot in the head in what police later said was likely a case of mistaken identity.

Anyone with information relating to the occupants of the car or Mr Dawlat’s death are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.