Sydney Police Issue Urgent Plea for Safe Return of 85-Year-Old Man Kidnapped in Apparent Case of Mistaken Identity
Police in Sydney have launched a desperate public appeal for the safe return of an 85-year-old man who was violently abducted from his home in what investigators are describing as a clear case of mistaken identity. Chris Baghsarian, a grandfather who lives alone in North Ryde, was taken from his residence just after 5:00am local time on Friday morning.
Violent Early Morning Abduction Caught on CCTV
Detectives have revealed that a group of at least three individuals forced their way into Mr Baghsarian's home before dawn on Friday. CCTV footage obtained by police shows a dark SUV arriving in the quiet residential street in the pre-dawn darkness. Two figures wearing hooded clothing can be seen approaching the property before returning minutes later carrying a man who appears to be struggling. The abductors then placed their victim into the waiting vehicle, which sped away from the scene.
A burnt-out car matching the description of the kidnappers' vehicle was later discovered in a nearby suburb, though police have not confirmed whether this is definitively connected to the abduction.
"One Million Per Cent Confident They Have the Wrong Person"
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks has stated unequivocally that investigators believe Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping. "This is a difficult case because in a normal kidnapping case, we would be told of a ransom," Marks explained. "And what I can say is that I'm one million per cent confident that they have the wrong person."
Remarkably, despite the passage of several days since the abduction, Mr Baghsarian's family has not received any ransom demand, further supporting the police theory that this was a case of mistaken identity. The elderly victim, who requires daily medication according to authorities, has concerning health vulnerabilities that make his safe return increasingly urgent.
Distressing Footage Circulates in Criminal Underworld
In a troubling development, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that videos and images believed to have been recorded by the kidnappers have been widely circulated within Sydney's criminal underworld. These materials reportedly show the 85-year-old man tied up and injured. Detective Marks confirmed he had viewed the footage, describing it as "distressing" and unhelpful to the ongoing investigation.
"It's not ideal that those images are out there," Marks stated. "They are distressing to see an 85-year-old man in that condition." The circulation of such materials has added another layer of complexity to what was already an unusual kidnapping case without apparent financial motivation.
Family in Distress as Police and Politicians Make Direct Appeals
Mr Baghsarian's family are understandably devastated by his abduction. "The family are in distress," Detective Marks revealed. "All they want is their father to be returned, their grandfather to be returned."
Police have made direct appeals to those responsible for the kidnapping, urging them to release Mr Baghsarian at a safe public location. NSW Premier Chris Minns joined the plea, specifically asking the kidnappers to "drop Mr Baghsarian off at a shopping centre or an emergency department or even a nursing home." The Premier emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating "We urge them to do that as soon as possible."
Authorities remain hopeful about the victim's condition, with Detective Marks stating "At this stage, our view is that he's still alive and we're looking for his safe return." However, they have emphasized that time is critical given Mr Baghsarian's age and medical needs.
Community Asked to Report Suspicious Activity
Police have asked residents in the North Ryde area and surrounding suburbs to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity, particularly at properties that appear to be empty or abandoned. Investigators believe that the kidnappers may have been targeting a different address entirely and are exploring all possible leads to locate Mr Baghsarian and identify those responsible for his abduction.
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of elderly residents living alone and the potentially catastrophic consequences of criminal mistaken identity. As the investigation continues, authorities maintain their focus on securing the safe return of Chris Baghsarian to his worried family.
