An 85-year-old Sydney grandfather, Chris Baghsarian, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home around 5 a.m. on February 13, 2026, in what police call a clear case of mistaken identity by inexperienced criminals.
Incident Details
Intruders broke into Baghsarian’s bedroom, where he lived alone since his wife’s death four years prior; neighbors heard glass smashing, dogs barking, and muffled screams before seeing a dark vehicle flee. CCTV shows a dark Toyota SUV pulling up, two hooded figures entering the house, then emerging with a struggling man (in red-blue flannel pajamas) before bundling him inside—three or more people involved. The burnt-out SUV was later found nearby, confirming the getaway.
Police Appeals and Evidence
NSW Police’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, led by Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks, released Baghsarian’s photo and directly begged kidnappers: “You have the wrong person—release him at a hospital or safe spot; we’ll handle the rest.” No ransom demands hit the family, who have zero crime ties; his health is at risk without daily meds. “Distressing” videos and photos of him bound, face obscured, mouth/nose covered—circulating in Sydney’s underworld—show assault, but police confirm he’s likely still alive as of February 16.
Underworld Link
Kidnappers targeted someone tied to the Alameddine crime syndicate (possibly a relative now overseas), hitting Baghsarian’s address by error. Premier Chris Minns echoed pleas: drop him at a mall, ER, or nursing home. Family’s devastated; cousin prays for his safe return. No updates by February 17—case active with Robbery Squad.
Wild how Sydney’s gang feuds snag innocents; echoes Velasquez’s vigilante rage but flipped. Thoughts on these underworld mix-ups?
