In a shocking development in the case of missing 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian, police have identified the intended target of the kidnapping, as a targeted search operation continues across Sydney's northwest. Mr Baghsarian was violently snatched from his North Ryde home in what authorities now confirm was a clear case of mistaken identity during the early hours of February 13.
True Target Revealed as Businessman's Relative
On Monday, investigators revealed that the apparent true target of the abduction was actually a relative of wealthy Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan. According to police sources, kidnappers contacted Stepanyan demanding an extraordinary $50 million ransom for the release of his family member just hours after Mr Baghsarian was taken.
Communications between the businessman and the kidnappers via Threema, an encrypted messaging application, included disturbing images and footage of Mr Baghsarian. In these exchanges, Stepanyan reportedly told the criminals they had 'plugged the wrong bloke,' indicating their catastrophic error in targeting.
Disturbing Evidence and Police Response
The images shared with Stepanyan showed Mr Baghsarian lying bound on the floor, with authorities believing these were taken inside an empty property in Dural that was thoroughly searched by police late last week. Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Andrew Marks confirmed on Monday that police had verified the safety of the kidnapping's 'intended targets.'
'Our primary investigation focus remains locating Mr Baghsarian and identifying those responsible for his disappearance and kidnapping,' Commander Marks stated emphatically. He added, 'Regarding those who were the intended targets, I'm led to believe they're safe and not in any immediate danger.'
Large-Scale Police Operation Underway
A significant police operation unfolded on Sunday and Monday along Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of North Ryde. A New South Wales Police helicopter was observed circling the area as part of this extensive search effort, with officers maintaining their presence at the site through Monday.
This renewed search activity followed officers initially attending the North Ryde home to serve a firearm prohibition order to Stepanyan. Police have remained notably tight-lipped regarding any potential motive behind the incident and the suspected current condition of Mr Baghsarian.
Complex Background of Businessman Involved
Dimitri Stepanyan brings a complicated history to this case, having served seven years in prison for the armed robbery of the Forestville RSL club in 2009. His family's legal troubles continued in 2018 when an unexplained $200,000 was discovered in his sister's bedroom within their North Ryde family home.
She subsequently pleaded guilty to dealing with proceeds of crime, receiving a fine and being placed on a good behavior bond. Stepanyan has since reinvented himself as the founder of Proper Streetwear clothing brand, which has received promotion from members of the Alameddine crime family, though business records from ASIC do not mention his involvement with the company.
It is understood that a relative of Mr Stepanyan resides on the same street as Mr Baghsarian, potentially explaining the kidnappers' geographical confusion. While Stepanyan's wealth presents one possible motive for targeting his relatives, authorities have not confirmed any specific reasons behind the kidnapping attempt.
The investigation continues with police urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to locate Chris Baghsarian and bring those responsible to justice.
