Elderly Sydney Man Kidnapped in Mistaken Identity, Feared Tortured
Police in Sydney hold grave concerns for an elderly man who they believe is being tortured, despite the kidnapping being a case of mistaken identity. Chris Baghsarian, 85, was forcibly taken from his North Ryde home in the early hours of Friday morning, and authorities suspect the perpetrators intended to target another individual with connections to the criminal underworld.
Details of the Kidnapping
At approximately 5am on Friday, three men entered Baghsarian's residence and dragged him from his bedroom. Witnesses reported seeing the elderly man being bundled into a dark-coloured SUV, which was later captured on CCTV footage in Northcott Street, North Ryde. The vehicle, identified as a Toyota SUV, was subsequently found torched in a nearby suburb, complicating the investigation.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks has confirmed that Baghsarian and his family have no criminal associations, and no ransom demands have been made. This reinforces the theory that the kidnapping was a botched operation aimed at a different local resident with underworld links.
Shocking Footage Emerges
In a disturbing development, footage has surfaced showing Baghsarian in a severely distressed state. The video depicts him bloodied, bound, and with a shirt wrapped around his head. Additionally, an image suggests that one of his fingers may have been severed. Police believe this footage was sent to a Sydney underworld figure now residing overseas, whose family member was allegedly the intended target.
Marks described the circulation of this footage as "not ideal" for the ongoing investigation, emphasising that it was not leaked by law enforcement. He expressed deep concern for Baghsarian's wellbeing, noting that the elderly man is frail and requires daily medication, without which his life could be in danger.
Police Appeals and Investigation
Authorities have issued an urgent plea for Baghsarian's safe release. "You tell us where he is, we'll do the rest. You have the wrong person," Marks stated. He urged the kidnappers to take Baghsarian to a hospital or another safe location to receive necessary medical attention.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance, asking anyone who noticed unusual activity near the residence to come forward. Baghsarian was last seen wearing a red and blue flannelette shirt and grey pyjamas. Marks reiterated his confidence that the kidnappers have targeted the wrong individual, stating, "I'm a million per cent confident that they have the wrong person."
The investigation is being prioritised, with all available resources deployed to secure Baghsarian's safe return. His family, described as shocked and concerned, are hoping for his swift and unharmed recovery.
