Police search for missing Melbourne father Khaled Malas following alleged shooting

In short:

Melbourne father Khaled Malas has not been seen since Wednesday evening, when he was allegedly shot.

Police say they are searching for a 37-year-old man whom the ABC understands to be Mr Malas.

Mohammed Aboueid, 56, has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury.

The loved ones of a Melbourne father who went missing after a shooting in the city's north-west say they hold grave fears for his welfare.

Police have been conducting a large-scale search for a 37-year-old man whom the ABC understands to be Khaled Malas.

Mr Malas, of Meadow Heights, has not been seen since August 19.

Investigators said he was allegedly shot in the chest that evening about 7:20pm after a dispute at a home in Wildwood.

Mohammed Aboueid, 56, has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday night and is due to return in November.

The ABC understands the dispute allegedly has to do with a $500,000 debt.

Investigators said they held significant concerns for Mr Malas's welfare and that it was likely he had succumbed to his injuries.

A long-time friend of Mr Malas told the ABC he was a successful auto truck electrician.

He said family and friends feared the worst.

"It's such horrible news," the friend said.

"Khaled was a humble hard-working man that loved his young family, it's absolutely devastating."

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.