Chris Baghsarian: Police ‘a million per cent certain’ kidnappers snatched wrong man in North Ryde

The bizarre circumstances surrounding an elderly grandfather’s mistaken kidnapping in Sydney continue to evolve after police confirmed they are “a million per cent certain” the suspects grabbed the wrong person.

Chris Baghsarian, 85, was alone at his home in North Ryde on Friday when a group of masked intruders arrived at the property and forced him into a in a dark coloured SUV before speeding away.

NSW Police held a media briefing on Monday and explained the investigation is continuing with no apparent motive and no ransom demand forthcoming to Mr Baghsarian’s family or authorities.

Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks of the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad told reporters that they believe the victim is a “hostage” and is “still alive”.

“Our view is that he’s still alive and we’re looking for his safe return”, Det. Supt. Marks said.

Media attention on the case has been widespread, and investigators are at a loss as to why Mr Baghsarian was not released once the perpetrators realised they had snatched the wrong man.

“I don’t know why they have not released him. Other to say we put the appeal out to say they have the wrong man. What I can say is that to those that are responsible - please release Mr Baghsarian,” Det. Supt. said.

“Let us know where he is. We’re looking to get him the medical assistance and treatment that he requires and we’ll do the rest.

“Let us know where he is. Please put him somewhere safe, contact somebody, doesn’t have to be the police, but just contact somebody to say where Mr Baghsarian is and we’ll do the rest. We’ll take care of him.”

Detectives and hostage negotiators have spent the weekend exploring Mr Baghsarian’s family and the potential for any links to organised crime or a history of criminal activity, which they have so far ruled out.

“What I can say to you is Mr Baghsarian and Mr Baghsarian’s family are not involved in any criminal world,” Det. Supt. Mark said.

“These kinds of offences usually involve those that are involved in organised crime networks.

“Their family are in distress. All they want is their father to be returned. Their grandfather to be returned. What I can say is that I’m a million per cent confident they have the wrong person.

“This is not a typical crime that happens, where the offenders have got the wrong person. It’s not an instance where they’re randomly taking people for the sake of it.

“They were intending to take somebody, but have taken the wrong person.

“They have kidnapped wrong person.”

The frail state of the elderly man and his need to daily medication has police particularity concerned about his well bring.

“He was wearing a flannelette shirt, a red and blue flannelette shirt, he was wearing a pair of grey pyjamas,” Det. Supt. Marks said.

“He is 85 years old and if you may have seen somebody like that, or if you’ve seen people coming and going from a neighbours’ premises that is not normally occupied, please let us know.”

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.