Major Arrest in Sydney's Mistaken Identity Kidnap Case

Wed Mar 25 2026 08:13:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 23-year-old man has been charged with multiple offenses including murder in the mistaken identity kidnapping case of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian.

A significant development in the case of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped in Sydney on February 13. Police have arrested and charged a 'major player' in the situation, believed to have facilitated the kidnapping and subsequent murder. This comes after two other individuals were charged last month.

A major player in the alleged kidnap and murder of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian in Sydney has been arrested and charged with murder, according to police reports.

Widower Chris Baghsarian was taken from his home in North Ryde on 13 February in what authorities are calling a case of mistaken identity. His body was discovered almost two weeks later near a local golf course.

The arrest of a 23-year-old man follows the earlier charges against two men in connection to Baghsarian's death. This latest suspect faces multiple charges, including kidnap, murder, and firearms and drug-related offenses.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks stated, He is not the highest but he is a major player in this matter, indicating the arrested individual’s role in the kidnapping.

Police allege he facilitated and recruited others for the kidnapping and arranged for the disposal of Baghsarian's body. The suspect was arrested during a police operation in the Seven Hills area and has been denied bail, awaiting a court appearance.

Simultaneously, a 23-year-old woman arrested during the same operation has been charged with breaching a violence order, yet she doesn't face any charges concerning Baghsarian's death.

Investigators believe that up to nine individuals could have been involved in the kidnapping and murder, with ongoing investigations to determine the full extent of the incident.

Local media speculate that the attack may have been directed at a family associated with organized crime, raising concerns over safety in the community. In the days following the kidnapping, police made efforts urging the captors to return Baghsarian safely due to his health needs.

Recent efforts by police included releasing CCTV footage of potential suspects near the site believed to be Baghsarian's stronghold during his capture. This leads detectives to believe the 23-year-old charged may have been among those pictured.

Marks confirmed that the arrested individual participated directly in the kidnapping, stating, He was there at the North Ryde address, and we will allege he conveyed Mr Baghsarian to the stronghold. This echoes the police's commitment to pursue justice for the elderly victim.

The other two men charged—29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens—face charges of kidnapping and murder, with their court proceedings set for April.