Police Arrest Two in Mistaken Kidnapping of 85-Year-Old

Police in New South Wales have arrested two men in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather who was mistakenly targeted at his home. The arrests followed extensive investigations into Baghsarian’s abduction, which occurred early on February 13, 2024, in North Ryde. Authorities confirmed that the incident was a case of mistaken identity, as Baghsarian was not the intended target.

The New South Wales Police reported that human remains have been linked to the case, raising concerns for the Baghsarian family. The two suspects, aged 29 and 24, were taken into custody on Wednesday after police executed search warrants in Kenthurst and Castle Hill. They were transported to Riverstone Police Station for questioning, but no charges have been filed against them at this stage.

According to police statements, Baghsarian was forcibly taken from his residence shortly before 5:00 AM. CCTV footage captured a group of masked men abducting him and forcing him into an SUV. Investigators believe the kidnappers were actually targeting a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, a businessman with a criminal background and alleged connections to the Alameddine crime family. This case has shocked the local community, as neither Baghsarian nor his family have any known ties to organized crime.

In the wake of the kidnapping, public fears escalated as images of an injured Baghsarian surfaced online. His family expressed their distress, stating, “We are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us.”

In the days following the abduction, police discovered a burnt-out grey Toyota Corolla with cloned Victorian license plates (DVT 007). This vehicle was spotted in Glenorie on the evening of February 14 and later in Pitt Town before being set ablaze in Westmead on February 16. Forensic evidence found inside the vehicle linked it to a derelict property in Dural, believed to have served as a temporary hideout for the kidnappers.

As investigations continue, police remain vigilant in their efforts to unravel the details surrounding this tragic incident. The community is left grappling with the disturbing reality that such violence could erupt in their midst, especially against an elderly resident who was not involved in any criminal activity. The focus now shifts to the ongoing inquiries, with authorities determined to bring those responsible to justice.