New Leads Emerge in Sydney Elderly Man Kidnapping Case After Nine Days
Significant new developments have surfaced in the shocking kidnapping of an elderly Sydney man as the investigation enters its ninth day. Emergency services were called to two suspicious car fires on Good Street in Westmead on Tuesday, with police now confirming the vehicles are linked to the abduction of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.
Baghsarian was forcibly taken from his North Ryde home on February 13, in what authorities are confidently describing as a case of mistaken identity. Despite repeated police appeals for his safe release, Baghsarian has not been seen since he was bundled into an SUV over a week ago.
Key Evidence from Car Fires
The vehicles discovered in Westmead were partially destroyed by fire, but detectives managed to identify a 2022 Toyota Corolla bearing Victorian registration '1UZ2BU'. This car had been reported stolen from a Victorian address on the very same day as Baghsarian's kidnapping.
"Investigators believe the Toyota Corolla in the images released is linked to the crime scene at an address in Dural, which is determined to be linked to the kidnapping," police stated in an official announcement.
Property Raid and Disturbing Clues
A property on Wildthorn Avenue in the semi-rural suburb of Dural was raided by police around 7pm on Thursday. Authorities believe this location is where Baghsarian had been held for some period of time.
Disturbing images and videos circulating online, showing Baghsarian bloodied, tied up, and with a shirt wrapped around his head, along with an image of a severed finger, were instrumental in helping police identify the house.
"As the intensive investigation continues to locate Mr Baghsarian and to identify and arrest those responsible for his kidnapping, police are appealing for further public assistance," they emphasized.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Anguish
CCTV footage has captured a dark Toyota pulling into Northcott Street in North Ryde shortly before Baghsarian was taken. Authorities have expressed grave concerns for his safety, particularly without his daily medication, with Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks previously admitting that "hope was fading."
"We have grave concerns for his safety, but we won't give up trying to find him alive," he affirmed.
In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, Baghsarian's family described the devastating crime as something that should have had "nothing to do with us."
"Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible," they shared. "Chris's kidnapping feels surreal, and we are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us."
The family portrayed Baghsarian as a devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person they know—someone who would never hurt a fly.
Police Confidence in Mistaken Identity
Detective Acting Superintendent Marks stated he was "a million per cent confident" the kidnappers had targeted the wrong man and confirmed that Baghsarian and his family have no links to criminal or underworld activity.
Police are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who may have seen the Toyota Corolla, heard anything relating to the kidnapping, or noticed suspicious activity in the Dural area since last Friday is urged to come forward. Individuals with dashcam footage are also strongly encouraged to contact detectives immediately to aid in the ongoing search efforts.
