Man, 85, kidnapped by mistake from Sydney home

Saturday, 14 February 2026 16:19

Police believe the man was not the intended target and are asking for his safe return.

Police are appealing for an 85-year-old man to be returned to his family after he was kidnapped in what they say was a case of mistaken identity.

Neighbours contacted police after hearing commotion from a home in North Ryde in Sydney about 5am yesterday.

Officers arrived to find resident Chris Baghsarian missing and signs of forced entry.

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

Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks told reporters kidnappers have the wrong person.

"They took Mr Baghsarian whilst he was at home, in his bedroom of his family home, and they took him and bundled him into a car and took him away to a location that we do not know," he said.

"Police consider that Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target."

A dark Toyota SUV, believed to have been used in the kidnapping, was found burnt out near Baghsarian's home.

At least three people are believed to have been involved.

Neighbours contacted police after hearing commotion from a home in North Ryde in Sydney about 5am yesterday.

Marks said Baghsarian's family are not involved in any criminal activity and are shocked by the kidnapping.

"His family are quite concerned," he said.

"They're quite surprised that this has happened, and what they want is a safe return of their father."

Marks said there are concerns for Baghsarian's health as he needs daily medication.

"Being a hostage, we really fear for his safety and that we're appealing for a very safe return and to get medical attention," he said.

"Being an 85-year-old man, we suspect that he may not be doing well."

Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks

Marks issued a message to the kidnappers, urging them to release Baghsarian.

"Take him to a hospital. Take him to somewhere that's safe, and we'll do the rest. We'll get him the medical treatment that is required," he said.

"I ask, potentially, if there's a member of the kidnapper crew that has any common decency to tell us where he is."

An image of Baghsarian has been released to the public, and anyone who has information or witnessed anything out of the ordinary is also urged to contact the police.

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