New South Wales police believe the body of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was dumped on Sydney's outskirts within 40 hours of his kidnapping, which they suspect was a case of mistaken identity. Human remains were found near a golf club in Pitt Town on Tuesday morning.
Baghsarian, a widowed grandfather, was abducted from his North Ryde home just after 5am on Friday 13 February. Police say he was not the intended target. Forensic evidence linked to him was found in a burnt-out car in Westmead, leading officers to search bushland at Glenorie before discovering the remains off Pitt Town Bottoms Road.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said a grey Toyota Corolla involved in the crime was seen in Glenorie on the night of Saturday 14 February and later on Pitt Town Bottoms Road at 9.05pm. The car was set alight in Westmead late on Monday 16 February. Police are urging anyone who saw the vehicle or suspicious activity near Lynwood Golf Course to come forward.
Evidence from the car also linked to an abandoned property in Dural, believed to have been used as a makeshift stronghold by the kidnappers. Police raided the property on Thursday evening. Baghsarian's family described the ordeal as a nightmare, saying they were caught up in something unrelated to them.
Reports suggest the intended target may have been a relative of a man linked to a Sydney crime family. Marks declined to comment further but expressed confidence in identifying those responsible, stating, 'We are outraged at the recklessness of these people.'
