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IN BRIEF
- 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped from his home more than a week ago.
- NSW Police found evidence linked to the abduction in a burnt-out car.
NSW Police have reached out to the public seeking assistance in unraveling the mystery behind a series of suspicious vehicle fires in north-west Sydney, events they suspect are linked to the abduction of Chris Baghsarian, a grandfather.
In an alarming incident, the 85-year-old was forcibly taken by three individuals from his bedroom in North Ryde at approximately 5 a.m. on February 13. Investigators believe Baghsarian was mistakenly targeted and emphasize that he has no connections to any organized crime groups.
As part of their ongoing investigation, police are combing through dense bushland in Glenorie to uncover clues about Baghsarian’s disappearance. They are also seeking information regarding two vehicles that were set on fire in the Westmead area of western Sydney last week.
Glenorie, characterized by its semi-rural setting, lies on the outer edges of north-west Sydney, close to a national park and several isolated properties.
The perplexing nature of this case has left authorities at a loss. With no ransom demands made, they have resorted to using media channels to plead with the kidnappers to ensure the safe return of the elderly man.
“This whole case has not been our normal kind of investigation in relation to kidnapping and a hostage,” detective acting superintendent Andrew Marks said on Monday.
“He … has been taken over 10 days ago and every day … the concerns grow.”
Car fires in Sydney’s west
In a statement on Sunday, police said emergency services responded to reports of two vehicles alight on Good Street, Westmead, around 11.30pm on 16 February.
Detectives believe that one was a 2022 Toyota Corolla reported stolen from a Victorian address last month.
The car bore the Victorian registration “1UZ2BU”, but was using a clone Victorian plate “DVT007”, detective acting superintendent Andrew Marks said on Monday.
Marks said the car was parked in Good Street from 14 February until the night of 16 February when it was set alight.
He appealed to the public for information about the vehicle.
“What we are asking from members of the public in that area — Good St specifically — do you have any footage, dash cam footage of the grey Corolla in that area, and any other persons attached to the car or anything around the vehicle?”
How is the stolen car related to the case?
Marks said forensic evidence from the Corolla showed it was linked to a property in Dural, a suburb about 12km south of Glenorie.
Police searched the vacant property on Thursday and Friday and established a crime scene there.
Police believe the property was used as a “makeshift stronghold” by Baghsarian’s kidnappers.
Marks said the vehicle was also seen in Glenorie, which led to the police search in dense bushland there.
What’s known about Baghsarian’s condition?
Marks said on Monday it was hard to speculate on the grandfather’s condition.
“We are putting every effort to find Mr Baghsarian and doing everything we can,” he said.
Police had earlier said he relies on daily medication, and urged the kidnappers to take him to hospital for medical checks.
Baghsarian’s family also spoke out last week, calling the widower “the kindest person we know — someone who would never hurt a fly”.
“Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible,” the family said in a statement.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also joined NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon last week to plead for Baghsarian’s return.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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