Australian police have issued an unprecedented appeal to kidnappers who abducted 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian from his home in North Ryde, a suburb of Sydney, on Friday morning. Investigators are convinced a fatal mistake occurred, and the elderly man has no connections to the criminal underworld. The victim was likely mistaken for someone linked to mafia groups operating in the city's western part. Authorities are calling for the man's immediate release.

Mistaken Target of Attack

Police in Australia claim the kidnappers targeted a person from a criminal network, but due to an error, abducted an 85-year-old retiree.

No Ransom Demands

Despite three days since Chris Baghsarian's disappearance, the perpetrators have not contacted the family, confirming the mistake theory.

Burned Vehicle

The SUV used to take the senior citizen from North Ryde was found by officers completely destroyed by fire.

Police officers in New South Wales are dealing with an exceptionally unusual kidnapping case that occurred on 13 February 2026. Three masked perpetrators broke into the home of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in the North Ryde district. The elderly man was forcibly dragged into a dark SUV, which was later found abandoned and completely burned out on a local road. Despite the passage of time, no ransom demand has been made to the family, strengthening the hypothesis of a mistake. Kidnappings for ransom or as part of gang disputes are rare in Australia compared to Latin America, but over the past decade, Sydney police have noted increased activity by criminal groups involved in extortion, often linked to the drug market. Commander Andrew Marks publicly admitted he is "a million percent sure" the kidnappers have the wrong person. Analysis of the victim's activities showed the 85-year-old led a quiet life and had no contacts with underworld organizations. Police believe the intended target was a man connected to a criminal network in western Sydney, and the senior citizen fell victim to a tragic coincidence. Authorities are appealing to the kidnappers to safely leave the elderly man in a public place, such as a hospital or police station, emphasizing his age and need for care. „I'm a million percent sure they have the wrong person. The perpetrators intended to kidnap someone else, but they took the wrong man.” — Andrew Marks The investigation is currently focused on reconstructing the SUV's route before its destruction and identifying criminal groups that may have planned the kidnapping. Police are also monitoring local hospitals, hoping the criminals realize their mistake and abandon the hostage. The lack of contact from the kidnappers raises serious concerns about the 85-year-old's health, especially considering the stress from the violent abduction and the senior's potential need for medication. The Australian legal system provides severe penalties for kidnappings, and in cases where the victim is elderly or requires care, courts often impose maximum sentences due to the victim's particular vulnerability. 100% — police certainty about the kidnappers' mistake Event Timeline in Sydney: 13 February, morning — Senior Citizen Abducted; 13 February, 10:00 — Vehicle Found; 14 February — Police Statement; 16 February — Public Appeal

Mentioned People

  • Chris Baghsarian — 85-year-old Sydney resident, victim of an alleged mistaken kidnapping.
  • Andrew Marks — Police Commander in New South Wales leading the case.