Police in Sydney have discovered human remains believed to belong to Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather who was kidnapped from his home on February 13, 2024. The remains were found near the Linwood Golf Club in Pitt Town, approximately 46 kilometers from where Baghsarian was last seen.
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks confirmed the grim discovery, stating, “We suspect those remains to be Mr. Baghsarian. Although the remains aren’t able to be positively identified, there will be a formal process to try to identify those remains.” He expressed the family’s distress, urging the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Baghsarian was reportedly abducted by a group of masked intruders in the early hours of February 13. Police suspect that the kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity, prompting a large-scale search for the missing man. The site where the remains were found has been designated as a crime scene, with police vowing to conduct a thorough investigation.
“It’s a current and active crime scene, and we will investigate that thoroughly and methodically,” Detective Marks added. He appealed to anyone with information, particularly regarding a grey Toyota vehicle that is pivotal to the investigation. Marks stated, “We are aware that the vehicle was in that vicinity at 17:00 on Saturday, February 14, two weekends ago. It was very close to the Linwood Golf Course.”
The investigation has revealed troubling details about the circumstances surrounding Baghsarian’s abduction. On February 16, police discovered a partially burnt-out car linked to the kidnapping. The vehicle, a grey Corolla with Victorian registration plates 12Z2BU, was reported stolen on the same day Baghsarian was taken. The car had been fitted with cloned number plates DVT 007 before it was found.
Detectives also located a “makeshift stronghold” at an abandoned property in Dural, where they believe Baghsarian may have been held during his kidnapping. Marks described the property as “derelict” and uninhabited, emphasizing its suspicious nature.
Reports from The Daily Telegraph suggest that the intended target of the kidnapping might be Dimitri Stepanyan, a self-proclaimed entrepreneur with a criminal past. According to the outlet, the actual victim was believed to be a relative of Stepanyan, who previously lived on the same street as Baghsarian. The family of this intended target received a video showing a hostage with their face covered and hands tied, but they did not recognize Baghsarian. One message reportedly sent to the kidnappers read, “Dumb dumb error, how did you get the wrong house.”
Baghsarian’s family has not reported receiving any ransom demands. Superintendent Marks expressed the family’s devastation over the incident, stating, “This is not the world they live in; it’s taken them by shock. They’re anxious, they’re devastated, and they want some answers.”
As the investigation continues, police have committed to using “every resource” available to apprehend those involved in the kidnapping. Marks emphasized the community’s outrage regarding the incident, stating, “What I can say is that we will endeavor to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.”
The discovery of the remains comes after ten days of uncertainty, during which detectives expressed growing fears for Baghsarian’s safety. “It’s not a great feeling we have in relation to his health and his survival,” Marks remarked last week, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Baghsarian’s case has drawn significant attention, not only due to its tragic nature but also because of the connections to organized crime. Stepanyan, who was previously sentenced to ten years in prison for armed robbery, is linked to a streetwear brand called Proper, which has connections to known members of the Alameddine crime network.
As the investigation unfolds, police urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact them through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. The community remains hopeful for justice in this heartbreaking case.
