Police have raided a semi-rural property in Sydney’s north-west as the desperate search continues for an 85-year-old grandfather abducted in what detectives believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Officers executed a search warrant at a home on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural on Thursday night, declaring the property a crime scene after identifying it as a suspected base used by the kidnappers of Chris Baghsarian.
The raid comes one week after Mr Baghsarian was dragged from his North Ryde home just before 5am last Friday.
‘Makeshift stronghold’ uncovered
NSW Police said the Dural address was believed to have been used as a “makeshift stronghold” by the group responsible for the abduction.
Strike force detectives and forensic officers were seen combing the property late into the night, removing items for examination. Mr Baghsarian was not located at the scene and no arrests have been made.
Investigators are continuing to appeal for information from anyone in the Dural area who may have seen suspicious activity over the past week.
Violent pre-dawn abduction
Mr Baghsarian, a widower who lives alone, was allegedly taken by up to three men who forced entry into his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13.
Neighbours reported hearing smashing glass and cries for help. Security footage later released by police shows a dark Toyota pulling into the quiet suburban street before a man in high-visibility clothing steps out. Moments later, the elderly man is pushed across the front landing and forced into the vehicle.
The car believed to have been used in the kidnapping was later found burnt out in North Turramurra.
Detectives from the robbery and serious crime squad, under Strike Force Chobat, are investigating whether the kidnappers had intended to target someone else in the area with alleged links to the Alameddine crime network, but instead seized the wrong man.
Police have repeatedly stressed that Mr Baghsarian and his family have no connection to organised crime.
Disturbing footage circulates
In the days following the abduction, video and images began circulating that purportedly show the grandfather restrained and assaulted. Police are working to verify the material but have confirmed they hold grave concerns for his welfare.
Mr Baghsarian is described as frail and reliant on daily medication. Authorities warn that without proper treatment, his health could deteriorate quickly.
No formal ransom demand has been made to the family, and detectives have issued direct public pleas to those responsible to release him safely.
“You have the wrong man,” Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said earlier this week, urging the kidnappers to come forward with information about his whereabouts.
Family ‘living through a nightmare’
In a statement released through police, Mr Baghsarian’s family said they were struggling to comprehend how they had become caught up in such an ordeal.
“Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible,” they said.
“Chris is a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He is deeply loved, gentle, and the kindest person we know.”
As the investigation intensifies, officers are urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage from North Ryde, North Turramurra or Dural to contact Crime Stoppers.
For now, the focus remains on locating the missing grandfather and bringing him home safely.
