Two men have been formally charged with the alleged kidnap and murder of an 85-year-old pensioner in Sydney, in a shocking case that authorities have described as a tragic instance of mistaken identity. The New South Wales Police Force announced the charges on Wednesday, following an intensive investigation into the disappearance of Chris Baghsarian.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to police reports, the incident began in the early hours of 13 February 2026, when officers received a distress call at approximately 5am. The report indicated that Mr Baghsarian had been forcibly taken from his residence in North Ryde, a suburb located about 9 miles northwest of Sydney's central business district. Initial investigations quickly revealed a disturbing twist: Chris Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping operation. Police stated that he was abducted due to a case of mistaken identity, adding a layer of tragedy to the already grave situation.
Discovery of Remains and Police Raids
In a somber update, law enforcement officials confirmed that human remains, identified as those of Mr Baghsarian, were discovered at around 8am on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The remains were located near a golf club in Pitt Town, a rural area on the outskirts of Sydney. This discovery prompted a swift and coordinated response from specialized police units.
Early on Wednesday morning, at about 6.30am, detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, with support from the Raptor Squad—a unit dedicated to tackling serious and organized crime—executed three simultaneous search warrants. The raids targeted properties in Kenthurst, Castle Hill, and Lake Macquarie. Footage from the operations captured dramatic scenes of officers forcing entry into two residences, leading to the arrests of two suspects.
A 29-year-old man was taken into custody in handcuffs after leaving a house in Kenthurst, while in Castle Hill, police detained a 24-year-old man. During the searches, authorities seized several items, including vehicles, electronic devices, and clothing, which are believed to be crucial evidence in the case. The police had previously established Strike Force Chobat to coordinate efforts aimed at recovering the elderly victim.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Both arrested individuals have been charged with murder and kidnapping offenses. They were refused bail and are scheduled to appear before the Blacktown Local Court on Thursday. The charges stem from what police describe as a meticulously planned investigation into the kidnap and subsequent murder of Chris Baghsarian.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community in Sydney, highlighting concerns about violent crime and the vulnerability of elderly residents. The New South Wales Police Force has emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice in this matter, with the upcoming court appearance expected to shed more light on the motives and circumstances surrounding this alleged crime of mistaken identity.
