Police are intensifying the search for abducted grandfather Chris Baghsarian, entering the eleventh day of the investigation. The 85-year-old was taken from his North Ryde home on February 13, and authorities are now focusing their efforts on dense bushland in Glenorie, on Sydney’s north-western fringe.
The search centers around a rural property and nearby national park in the northern parts of Glenorie, following a police operation on Sunday evening at a property along Vesperman Road. Police have established a large perimeter in the area, utilizing the dog squad and a police helicopter in their ongoing investigation.
Detectives raided a property in Dural on Friday, believing it had been used as a “stronghold” by Mr. Baghsarian’s captors. Evidence gathered at the Dural property matched images circulating within Sydney’s underworld, depicting Mr. Baghsarian being tortured, police said.
From the outset, police have maintained that the abduction was a case of mistaken identity. Law enforcement sources have reportedly indicated the intended target was linked to the Alameddine crime family. Despite this, Superintendent Andrew Marks would not be drawn on whether the investigation had now become a recovery operation, stating simply, “We are searching for Mr Baghsarian.”
Superintendent Marks expressed growing concern for Mr. Baghsarian’s well-being, stating, “Every day… the concerns grow.” He added, “Every day, it’s not a great feeling we have in relation to his health and his survival.”
Police have repeatedly appealed to the kidnappers for Mr. Baghsarian’s safe return, emphasizing that he requires daily medication. They believe the intended abduction target is currently safe and “not in danger.”
The search in Glenorie was prompted by tips from local residents reporting suspicious activity. Superintendent Marks declined to provide specific details about the information received, stating only that it was “of high interest to us.”
Investigators are also examining the connection to suspicious vehicle fires in Westmead on February 17. Two cars were found alight on Good Street, and one of them, a 2022 Toyota Corolla with Victorian registration 1UZ2BU, had been reported stolen from Victoria on January 13. Police believe this vehicle is linked to the crime scene in Dural.
Forensic examination of the vehicle has yielded evidence linking it to both the Dural property and Mr. Baghsarian. The vehicle was also sighted in the Glenorie area on February 14 after 9pm. Police noted the car was displaying cloned numberplates bearing the registration DVT 077.
Chris Baghsarian, 85, was abducted from his North Ryde home on Friday, February 13. (Supplied: NSW Police)
The rural suburb of Glenorie is approximately 12 kilometers from Dural. Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that may assist in locating Mr. Baghsarian.
