Fears grow for elderly man kidnapped in case of mistaken identity

Sunday, 15 February 2026 19:06

"We fear for the safety of the hostage and we think he may have been harmed."

Police admit they fear for the well-being of an 85-year-old Sydney man, as new footage shows the moment he was taken from his home.

Newly released vision shows a dark Toyota pulling into Northcott Street in North Ryde before Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped just before dawn on Friday morning.

A man in high-vis clothing is seen walking out of the car followed by an accomplice.

Moments later, they are seen pushing the elderly man across the landing as the car moves into position.

Witnesses recall Baghsarian screaming as he was put into the car, and glass smashing.

Investigators are trying to unravel why the grandfather was taken and still believe it was a case of mistaken identity.

Police are trying to have an 85-year-old man safely returned home after he was taken in a suspected case of mistaken kidnapping.

Robbery and serious crime squad detectives are looking into whether the intended target was a known criminal who lives nearby and has potential links to the Alameddine crime network.

"Those who have him do not have the right person," a police officer said in a press conference.

Baghsarian's neighbours say he is a widower who has lived alone for about four years.

Police said they have seen a video made by the kidnappers that shows Baghsarian's face covered and his hands tied with duct tape.

"We fear for the safety of the hostage and we think he may have been harmed," Detective acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said.