Police have executed a search warrant at a semi-rural property in Dural, approximately 36 kilometres north-west of Sydney, in connection with the mistaken kidnapping of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian. The elderly man was forcibly taken from his Sydney home just before dawn last Friday, when three men bundled him into a dark-coloured SUV.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Ordeal
Detectives believe Mr Baghsarian, a widower with no known links to criminal or underworld activity, is still alive. This assessment is based on videos that have emerged showing him restrained in an unknown location. The property raided on Thursday night was identified as a makeshift stronghold used by the kidnappers, and a crime scene has been established there.
Family's Harrowing Statement
Earlier this week, Mr Baghsarian's family spoke publicly for the first time, describing the kidnapping as a surreal and harrowing ordeal. In a brief statement released via police, they said, 'Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible.' The lack of a ransom demand has complicated the investigation, prompting police to appeal directly to the kidnappers to return the grandfather to a safe location.
Police Appeals and Public Assistance
Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks addressed reporters on Monday, stating, 'It's not an instance where they're randomly taking people for the sake of it. They were intending to take somebody but have taken the wrong person.' Police are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help identify and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping, emphasising the urgency of the situation as the investigation progresses.
