Qiuping Yuan, Apple: Missing Concord West woman, fresh details
A 43-year-old woman who vanished six months ago had been caring for her husband – who is twice her age – at the time of her disappearance. Police remain baffled as fresh details reveal she has not withdrawn cash, used her phone or left the country.
Inner West
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There’s no evidence a woman who has been missing for six months has left the country and her bank cards and phone records show no signs of activity, police have said.
Officers made a fresh appeal into the disappearance of Qiuping Yuan, also known as Apple, who was last seen in November last year.
New details also emerged into the mystery of the 43-year-old with police revealing she had been caring for her elderly husband – who is nearly double her age – at the time of her disappearance.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pryde fielded questions from the media at Bankstown Police Station on Monday afternoon.
Asked by a reporter if she had maybe just wanted a new life, he said it was a possibility.
Ms Yuan left her home at Concord West on November 1 last year about 7am to attend a relative’s house at Russell Lea.
In a renewed appeal, police are calling for public assistance to find the missing woman as they hold serious concerns for her wellbeing.
Detective Chief Inspector Pryde revealed she had been living with and caring for her husband who is in his early 80s.
“She is in a relationship with an older man. She was caring for him,” Det Insp. Pryde said.
“There was no indication prior to her leaving his residence that there were any problems between the two people.”
The couple, originally from China, had been married in Hong Kong and migrated to Australia in 2013.
Her husband is still alive.
Det Insp. Pryde said police had checked movement records from Border Force officials, phone accounts, bank accounts and Medicare.
“We’ve checked extensive inquiries and there is absolutely no sign of activity,” he said.
“We are appealing to the public as to her whereabouts or sightings or whether she would like to come forward … we are concerned about her wellbeing.”
She had made no indication to her relative before she failed to return home and no items were left behind.
Investigations found she got off a train at Central Railway Station about 10am on November 1 after visiting a family relative to her husband.
She is described as being of Asian appearance, about 155cm tall, of a medium build, with dark hair and brown eyes.
She was last seen wearing a white and green shirt, dark pants, tan shoes and carrying a blue ‘Nike’ backpack.
Anyone who may have seen her or who has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.