Updated ,first published
Evidence found in a burnt-out Toyota Corolla has been forensically linked to abducted grandfather Chris Baghsarian and his kidnappers’ “stronghold” as officers search dense bushland on Sydney’s north-western fringe for signs of the 85-year-old.
Dozens of officers on Sunday launched a large-scale search in Glenorie, where locals reported seeing the sedan a day after Baghsarian’s kidnapping.
Baghsarian was taken hostage on February 13 when up to three men abducted him from his North Ryde home about 5am in a suspected case of mistaken identity. Baghsarian, a grandfather and widower, lived alone, and police have repeatedly said he and his family have no links to organised crime.
The search comes days after detectives raided a property in Dural, north-west of Sydney, where they believe Baghsarian was held and tortured.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks, acting commander of the robbery and serious crime squad, said items found in the Corolla, torched in Westmead on Monday night, had been forensically tested and matched evidence recovered from the Dural property. The vehicle, reported stolen from Victoria on February 13, was using cloned Victorian registration plates (DVT077), Marks said.
Marks said the vehicle had been abandoned on Good Street in Westmead on February 14 and set alight about 11.30pm two days later after its occupants initially tried to destroy it shortly after it was parked.
Investigators shifted their focus to Vesperman Road at Glenorie after receiving reports the Corolla was seen in Glenorie just after 9pm on February 14 and information from members of the public that was “of high interest” to detectives. It was unclear if Baghsarian was in the car at any time, Marks said. Police have not disclosed what was found in the car.
Police on Monday searched several properties and national park in the area.
“That area will grow until we find something of interest to us, whether we find Mr Baghsarian or any evidence in relation to the kidnapping of Mr Baghsarian,” Marks said.
Marks last week said hopes were fading of finding Baghsarian alive. The 85-year-old requires daily medical treatment.
“The concerns grow every day,” Marks said.
“It’s not a great feeling that we have in relation to his health, and his survival. So every day, for us, is of importance.”
Video of a severely injured Baghsarian being tortured was circulated throughout Sydney’s criminal underworld in the days after his abduction. The video and other images circulated matched evidence found at the Dural property on Thursday, Marks said. It is unclear how long Baghsarian was held at the property, which is believed to have been abandoned for several years.
No ransom demands have been made to Baghsarian’s family. The intended target of the kidnapping was safe and had not been targeted, Marks said. Messages published by SCN Worldstar purportedly between the kidnappers and the intended target show ransom demands being made.
Investigators are yet to identify any suspects believed to be involved in Baghsarian’s abduction, Marks said. Detectives have expanded their appeal to members of the criminal underworld to locate Baghsarian.
“We are putting every effort into finding Mr Baghsarian,” Marks said.
“This whole case has been not our normal kind of investigation in relation to a kidnapping and a hostage.”
Baghsarian’s family said in a statement last week that he was deeply loved and a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather.
“The kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly,” the family said in a statement released by NSW Police last Tuesday.
“Chris’ 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.
“We are living through a nightmare we never thought possible.”
Police are appealing for footage of the Corolla near Good Street, Westmead, or anyone with information from anyone near Cattai Ridge Road who may have seen the vehicle in the area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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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.