Sydney Grandfather Kidnapped in Mistaken Identity Nightmare, Family Pleads for Safe Return
The family of an elderly Sydney man, who was violently abducted from his home in a suspected case of mistaken identity, have described their ordeal as "living through a nightmare" they never imagined possible. Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old widower with no criminal connections, was dragged from his bedroom by three men during a brutal home invasion at his North Ryde property around 5am on Friday.
Botched Underworld Plot Targets Wrong Man
Detectives believe the kidnappers intended to target another man with underworld links who lives nearby but instead snatched Baghsarian by mistake. In a statement released on Tuesday, Baghsarian's family expressed their struggle to comprehend how their loved one has been caught up in a crime that has "nothing to do with us." They described Chris as a devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather who is deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person they know.
No ransom demand has been made, but messages seen by authorities appear to show the kidnappers acknowledging Baghsarian was wrongly taken. The messages, believed to be between the kidnappers and the family of their intended target, refer to the abduction as a "dumb dumb error" and include exchanges where one kidnapper asks, "So, you don't want him back... do I off him?"
Disturbing Evidence of Torture Emerges
Despite repeated pleas for his safe release so he can access vital medication, police believe the grandfather is being tortured. Disturbing footage has emerged appearing to show Baghsarian bloodied, bound, and with a shirt wrapped around his head. Another image suggests one of his fingers has been cut off. Police believe this footage was sent to a Sydney underworld figure now living overseas, whose relative was allegedly the intended target.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks confirmed that three men were seen bundling Baghsarian into a dark-coloured SUV before fleeing the scene. He stated, "You tell us where he is, we'll do the rest. You have the wrong person." Marks emphasized that the circulation of the images was "not ideal" for the investigation and stressed they were not leaked by police.
Urgent Medical Concerns and Police Appeal
Authorities fear Baghsarian's life is at risk without his daily medication. Marks made a direct appeal: "Please release Mr Baghsarian. Take him to a hospital, take him to somewhere that's safe. Being a hostage, we really fear for his safety and we're appealing for a very safe return and to get medical attention."
CCTV footage shows a dark Toyota pulling into Northcott Street in North Ryde before Baghsarian was taken. He was last seen wearing a red and blue flannelette shirt and grey pyjamas. Police are urging anyone who noticed unusual activity in the area to come forward.
Marks said investigators were "throwing every resource" at the case and expressed confidence that the kidnappers have the wrong person, calling the mistake "concerning." The family continues to hope for his safe return, describing the situation as surreal and heartbreaking.
