Chris Baghsarian: Two men charged with murder after North Ryde grandfather’s body found
Two men have been charged with murder after the body of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian was found in bushland, as police allege he was taken in a chilling case of mistaken identity.
Two men have been charged over the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian, whose remains were found in bushland in Sydney’s northwest.
Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives allege Mr Baghsarian was taken from his North Ryde home just after 5am on Friday, February 13, 2026, in what police have described as a case of mistaken identity.
Officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command responded to reports that the elderly man had been kidnapped, before State Crime Command established Strike Force Chobat to coordinate the investigation and attempt to recover him.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Early inquiries revealed Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target. Police suspect the kidnappers were instead attempting to abduct a relative of underworld-linked Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street, allegedly in the hope of securing a ransom reportedly as high as $50 million.
Human remains discovered about 8am on Tuesday, February 24, near a golf club in Pitt Town were later formally identified as Mr Baghsarian. Senior police believe he was killed at a makeshift stronghold in the semi-rural suburb of Dural before his body was dumped hours later.
“It’s somebody’s worst nightmare, right?” Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said.
“These people need to be held to account for that, and that’s why we are bringing these people before the courts.”
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives — assisted by the Raptor Squad — executed three search warrants at about 6.30am on Wednesday at properties in Kenthurst, Castle Hill and Lake Macquarie.
Police seized vehicles, electronics and clothing believed to be relevant to the investigation.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at the Kenthurst address, while a 24-year-old man was arrested in Castle Hill. Both were taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with murder and take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm.
They were refused bail and will appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Police are continuing to search for a third alleged offender and believe additional people may have been involved.
Mr Baghsarian’s family, who have described the ordeal as a “nightmare”, have asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather “who would never hurt a fly”.
