Police are in a desperate race against time to secure the safe release of an innocent elderly man after kidnappers circulated a harrowing video showing him bloodied and tied up, in what appears to be an escalating underworld extortion plot. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies.
Details of the Kidnapping
Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather, was alone in his North Ryde home when he was violently taken and bundled into a dark-coloured SUV on Friday morning. Authorities suspect the kidnappers intended to abduct a relative of a known underworld figure but mistakenly targeted Mr Baghsarian instead, leading to a grave case of mistaken identity.
Police Concerns and Investigation
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks expressed serious concerns for Mr Baghsarian's welfare, noting that the elderly man requires daily medication. 'They took Mr Baghsarian whilst he was at home, in his bedroom of his family home, and they took him and bundled him into a car and took him away to a location that we do not know,' Det Supt Marks told reporters on Saturday. He emphasised that police believe Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target, stating, 'Police consider that Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target ... You have the wrong person.'
The chilling video footage, shown to the media, depicts Mr Baghsarian tied at the hands, gagged, and lying on a carpeted floor covered in blood. This disturbing footage was sent to a Sydney underworld figure believed to be overseas, after kidnappers wrongly assumed Mr Baghsarian was connected to their intended target.
Appeal for Information
In a heartfelt appeal, Det Supt Marks urged anyone with information to come forward: 'If there's a member of the kidnapped crew that has any common decency, to tell us where he is, you tell us where he is, we'll do the rest.' Police believe three people are involved in the kidnapping, and a burnt-out vehicle matching the description of the SUV used in the abduction has been found nearby, adding a crucial clue to the investigation.
Underworld and Political Reactions
The kidnapping has deeply unsettled underworld figures, with reports indicating that many feel a line has been crossed, as noted by The Daily Telegraph. This sentiment highlights the severity of the crime and its potential ramifications within criminal circles.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley condemned the perpetrators, vowing that they will be caught and prosecuted. 'Police have a proven track record of locking up those responsible for these reprehensible crimes and the bad actors who manipulate them to do their dirty work,' Ms Catley said. She added, 'We do not want to see this violence on our streets,' underscoring the government's commitment to public safety and justice.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact
As the investigation continues, police are leveraging all available resources to locate Mr Baghsarian and bring the kidnappers to justice. The case has raised alarms about the safety of vulnerable individuals and the brazen nature of such criminal acts in residential areas. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, hoping that community cooperation will aid in resolving this distressing situation swiftly.
