Sydney Police Make Urgent Plea for Safe Return of 85-Year-Old Kidnapped in Apparent Case of Mistaken Identity

Elderly Man Abducted from North Ryde Home

Sydney law enforcement has issued an urgent public appeal for the safe return of an 85-year-old man, Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his home in the North Ryde suburb early on Friday morning in what police describe as a suspected case of mistaken identity. Authorities are deeply concerned for his wellbeing due to his advanced age and the fact that he requires daily medication.

The abduction occurred just after 5 a.m. local time, when at least three men forced their way into the octogenarian’s residence and grabbed him, according to police. He was then bundled into a dark-coloured SUV before the vehicle sped off, leaving behind a traumatised household and a community in shock.

Police Say Victim Likely Taken in Mistaken Identity

Detectives from the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force’s Robbery & Serious Crime Squad have made clear that they believe Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping and that the perpetrators were seeking another individual with alleged ties to organised crime. Baghsarian and his family have no known connection to criminal activity, police emphasised.

“We’re one million per cent confident that they have the wrong person,” Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said at a media briefing, appealing directly to the kidnappers to release Baghsarian unharmed. Authorities have expressed grave concern given the man’s age, health needs, and vulnerability in captivity.

Disturbing Footage Circulates, No Ransom Demand Yet

In the days since the abduction, distressing videos and images purportedly showing Baghsarian with his hands tied and injuries have circulated within Sydney’s criminal underworld, according to media reports. Police are aware of these clips but have not publicly confirmed their authenticity or details beyond acknowledging such material exists.

To date, Baghsarian’s family has not received any ransom demands, a fact that police say is consistent with the assessment that the kidnappers initially sought someone else. Authorities have urged that Baghsarian be released at a public location, a hospital or another safe place, and have pledged to ensure his care if released.

Family Speaks of Ordeal and Distress

Family members have spoken of their anguish and described the ordeal as something they “never thought possible.” In a statement released through NSW Police, Baghsarian’s relatives called for privacy as they navigate the distressing situation and continue to hope for some form of closure.

“Chris’s kidnapping feels surreal,” the family said, emphasising that he is a “devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather” who had no involvement in any criminal world. They implored the public and authorities for support and understanding as they wait for news on his condition.

Police Broaden Investigation and Public Appeal

The investigation remains active, with police urging members of the public to assist by providing any information that could lead to Baghsarian’s whereabouts. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and evidence from around the time of the abduction and are canvassing neighbourhoods for tips or suspicious activity.

Police have also heightened visibility in surrounding suburbs and are in ongoing communication with Baghsarian’s family as they pursue leads. The community has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers with relevant information as part of the broad effort to locate the missing man.

Health Concerns and Urgency

Beyond the criminal aspect of the investigation, officers and Baghsarian’s loved ones are intensely worried about his health and safety. Due to his age and need for medication, time is considered critical, and police have stressed that the kidnappers should prioritise his wellbeing if they choose to release him.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns have both publicly condemned the kidnapping and echoed the plea for Baghsarian’s safe return, highlighting the “disgraceful” nature of the crime.

Community and National Response

The shocking abduction has reverberated through both the local North Ryde community and across Australia, drawing attention to the vulnerability of elderly citizens and the dangers posed by organised crime. Neighbours have described the incident as “harrowing,” and community groups have rallied in support of the family’s plea.

Police have reiterated that anyone with information — no matter how minor it may seem — could be crucial in finding Baghsarian and bringing him home safely. They continue to appeal to the kidnappers to release him “without delay” and to spare the family further trauma.