Police set up crime scene in Dural as hunt for mistakenly kidnapped man Chris Baghsarian continues

Police are focusing their search for 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian on a semi-rural property in Dural, Sydney. The property is believed to be a “makeshift stronghold” used by those who kidnapped Mr. Baghsarian from his North Ryde home last Friday.

Search Intensifies in Kidnapping Case

Strike force detectives executed a search warrant at the property on Wildthorn Avenue around 7pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to NSW Police. Mr. Baghsarian has been missing for one week.

Mistaken Identity Suspected

Authorities believe the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity. Police sources suggest the intended target may have been someone connected to the Alameddine crime family who resided nearby. This detail highlights the potential for unintended consequences and the complexities of criminal investigations.

Did You Know? The search warrant was executed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, seven days after Mr. Baghsarian was initially taken from his home.

The case has taken a disturbing turn with the circulation of footage showing Mr. Baghsarian tied up and being assaulted. The family of the missing man released a statement on Tuesday expressing their distress and longing for resolution.

Family Plea for Information

“We are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us,” the family stated. They described Mr. Baghsarian as a “devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather” and emphasized his gentle and kind nature.

Expert Insight: The possibility of mistaken identity introduces a layer of unpredictability to this case. It suggests the kidnapping wasn’t specifically targeted at Mr. Baghsarian, but rather a consequence of proximity or misidentification, potentially escalating a situation intended for someone else.

The investigation remains active, and police continue to pursue leads in the hope of locating Mr. Baghsarian and bringing those responsible to justice. Further searches and inquiries are likely to be conducted as detectives piece together the events leading up to the kidnapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Chris Baghsarian kidnapped?

Mr. Baghsarian was kidnapped approximately 5am last Friday.

Where was the property searched by police located?

The property searched by police is located in Dural, on Wildthorn Avenue.

What did Mr. Baghsarian’s family say in their statement?

Mr. Baghsarian’s family stated they were “struggling” and awaiting “some form of closure or resolution,” describing him as a devoted and gentle man.

What role might unintended consequences play in cases like this, and how can communities work to prevent such situations?