Full Breakdown
Search Intensifies for Kidnapped Grandfather Chris Baghsarian
2/23/2026, 12:14:38 PM
Overview of the Kidnapping Incident
Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home in Sydney on February 13, 2026, in what police believe to be a case of mistaken identity. Three men abducted him around 5 a.m., and since then, he has been missing for over 11 days. The intended target of the kidnapping is believed to have connections to the Alameddine crime family, while Baghsarian himself has no known links to criminal activity.
Forensic Evidence and Vehicle Discovery
Police have discovered forensic evidence linked to Baghsarian in a burnt-out 2022 Toyota Corolla found in Westmead. The vehicle, reported stolen from Victoria, was found with cloned number plates displaying registration DVT 077. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks stated that the car had been linked to an abandoned property in Dural, where Baghsarian was believed to have been held. Inside the vehicle, officers found blood-stained carpet, which they suspect originated from the Dural property.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Baghsarian has shifted to dense bushland in Glenorie, approximately 44 kilometers from Sydney's city center. Police have deployed significant resources, including helicopters and dog units, to comb the area for any signs of the missing grandfather. Marks emphasized the urgency of the search, noting that Baghsarian requires daily medication and that "hope is fading" for his survival.
Official Statements and Appeals
Marks has made repeated appeals to the public for any information regarding the grey Corolla or any suspicious activity in the areas surrounding Good Street, Westmead, and Vesperman Road in Glenorie. He urged anyone with dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts to come forward. The police have also directly appealed to the kidnappers for Baghsarian's safe return, as no ransom has been demanded.
Family's Response and Public Sentiment
Baghsarian's family has publicly described the ordeal as surreal and harrowing, expressing their anguish over the situation. They stated, "Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible." The family's lack of connections to organized crime complicates the investigation, as police have not identified any suspects involved in the kidnapping.
Criticism and Challenges
The investigation has faced challenges due to Baghsarian's lack of ties to criminal activity, making it difficult for law enforcement to ascertain motives or identify suspects. Marks noted that this case is not typical for kidnapping investigations, as it appears the perpetrators intended to abduct someone else but mistakenly targeted Baghsarian instead.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the search continues, police remain focused on locating Baghsarian and gathering more evidence related to his abduction. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. The community remains hopeful for a resolution, but the circumstances surrounding Baghsarian's disappearance raise significant concerns about his well-being.
