Police Identify Dural Property as Key Location in Mistaken Kidnapping Investigation
New South Wales police have executed a search warrant and established a significant crime scene at a semi-rural property in Dural, approximately 36 kilometers northwest of Sydney, in connection with the mistaken kidnapping of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian. The property is believed to have served as a makeshift stronghold for the kidnappers who abducted Baghsarian from his North Ryde home just before dawn last Friday.
Details of the Abduction and Investigation
Baghsarian, a widower with no known connections to criminal or underworld activities, was forcibly bundled into a dark-colored SUV by three men outside his Sydney residence in what authorities describe as a clear case of mistaken identity. Detective Superintendent Andrew Marks emphasized that this was not a random act, stating, "They were intending to take somebody but have taken the wrong person."
Despite the harrowing circumstances, police maintain cautious optimism about Baghsarian's safety after videos emerged showing him restrained in an unknown location. No ransom demands have been made, prompting investigators to appeal directly to the kidnappers to return the elderly man to a secure location.
Family's Public Statement and Ongoing Appeals
Baghsarian's family broke their silence earlier this week, releasing a brief statement through police channels describing their ordeal as "living through a nightmare we never thought possible." The family's anguish has been compounded by the surreal nature of the kidnapping, given Baghsarian's clean background and advanced age.
Police continue to actively seek public assistance in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the abduction. The investigation remains complex due to the absence of ransom demands and the victim's lack of criminal associations, making traditional investigative pathways more challenging.
Property Search and Forensic Examination
The Dural property search represents a critical development in the case, with forensic teams meticulously examining the scene for evidence that could lead to Baghsarian's safe recovery and the arrest of his captors. The semi-rural location's characteristics suggest it may have been selected for its relative isolation, potentially providing kidnappers with a temporary base of operations.
As the investigation enters its second week, authorities are coordinating multiple lines of inquiry while maintaining regular contact with Baghsarian's distressed family. The case has drawn significant public attention across Sydney and New South Wales, with community members urged to report any suspicious activity or information that might assist police efforts.
