CCTV footage has captured the moment an 85-year-old was abducted from his northern Sydney home on Friday morning, as the kidnapping suspected to be a case of mistaken identity enters its fourth day.
Chris Baghsarian, an elderly widower and grandfather, was abducted from the bedroom of his North Ryde property about 5am on Friday, prompting police to issue a direct plea to the abductors, who they believe kidnapped the wrong person. Baghsarian lives alone in his property.
Police found signs of forced entry to the home, and are investigating whether the intended target was a figure linked to the Alameddine organised crime network living nearby.
CCTV footage shows two men, one in a high-vis shirt and the other in a dark hoodie, exiting a dark SUV and striding towards Baghsarian’s property, triggering the sensor light at the front of the property. They then appear to force the elderly man out of the home while the getaway driver moves closer to the rest of the crew.
Neighbours called police after hearing a commotion at Baghsarian’s property on Friday morning. One witness, Felix Cho, told Nine News that he heard “screaming that just kept going”, as glass smashed and dogs barked before the vehicle drove down the street.
Video has since emerged of an injured Baghsarian at an unknown location.
Baghsarian is pictured in the video in the grey tracksuit pants and flannelette shirt he was wearing when he was abducted.
A vehicle matching the description of the getaway car was found burnt-out in South Turramurra shortly after the abduction.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said neither Baghsarian nor his family were involved in organised crime.
“They’re quite surprised that this has happened and what they want is the safe return of their father,” Marks said on Saturday.
“We always fear for the safety of the hostage.”
Concern for the elderly man’s welfare has intensified following the release of the video. He requires daily medication and medical treatment.
State crime detectives are being briefed on the kidnapping on Monday morning, as police continue to search for Baghsarian. Marks has urged the abductors to share the man’s whereabouts, saying they would do so if they have “any common decency”.
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Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.