Elderly Sydney Man Abducted, Murdered in Mistaken Identity Case
An 85-year-old Sydney man, Chris Baghsarian, was abducted from his North Ryde home on February 13 in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. His body was discovered 11 days later in Pitt Town, and two men have since been charged with his murder and kidnapping. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities searching for additional individuals suspected of involvement.
Abduction Details
Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old widower living alone in North Ryde, was taken from his home on Northcott Street at approximately 5 a.m. on February 13. Mr. Baghsarian, who reportedly had dementia and required daily medication, was forced from his bedroom into a dark-colored SUV by at least three individuals. Neighbors alerted authorities after hearing disturbances and screams, along with the sound of breaking glass.
Surveillance footage captured a dark Toyota pulling onto Northcott Street, with two individuals, one in high-visibility clothing, exiting. They were then seen escorting Mr. Baghsarian across the landing as the vehicle repositioned. The Toyota SUV used in the abduction was later found burnt out in the nearby suburb of North Turramurra.
Another vehicle, a 2022 Toyota Corolla reported stolen from Victoria, was subsequently linked to the case. This vehicle displayed cloned numberplates and showed forensic connections to a property in Dural and Mr. Baghsarian. It was also sighted in the Glenorie area on February 14 and linked to two vehicle fires in Westmead on February 17.
Mistaken Identity and Intended Target
NSW Police stated their belief that the abduction was a case of mistaken identity. Law enforcement sources indicated the kidnappers' intended target was an individual linked to the Alameddine crime family. Later reports identified the intended target as Karo Stepanyan, 67, who lived on the same street as Mr. Baghsarian. Police confirmed that the intended target is safe.
Initially, no ransom demand was reported. However, investigators later became aware of messages demanding $50 million from a Sydney businessman. Police believe a video, reportedly filmed by the abductors, showing Mr. Baghsarian tied up, assaulted, and with his breathing obstructed, was sent with this ransom demand to the intended target. The ransom was not paid.
Investigation Begins
Detectives from the NSW Police Robbery and Serious Crime Squad immediately launched an investigation. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon criticized the abduction, highlighting the disregard organized crime elements show for individuals and urging the abductors to return Mr. Baghsarian.
His family described the situation as a "nightmare" and "surreal," expressing significant concern for his welfare due to his age and medical needs. They described him as a "devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather" and a "gentle, kindest person," appealing for his safe return.
Police released an image of Mr. Baghsarian and appealed to the public and the abductors for his safe release and for information regarding his location, emphasizing his need for medical assistance.
On February 19, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a semi-rural property on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural, approximately 36 km north-west of Sydney. This vacated and derelict house was believed to have been used as a holding location by the kidnappers, with evidence suggesting Mr. Baghsarian had been held there. However, both Mr. Baghsarian and his abductors were not found at the property.
Discovery of Remains
After 10 days, police conducted an extensive search of dense bushland near Glenorie, approximately 12 kilometers from Dural, due to growing concerns for Mr. Baghsarian's health and survival.
On February 25, the 11th day of the search, human remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town, in Sydney's north-west. Police subsequently confirmed the remains belonged to Mr. Baghsarian. Sources indicated the body showed injuries consistent with extreme and prolonged violence. Investigators believe Mr. Baghsarian died at the Dural property within 36 hours of his abduction, and his body was later left at the Pitt Town location. The official cause of death has not been released.
Arrests and Charges
Less than 24 hours after the discovery of the remains, two men were arrested in connection with Mr. Baghsarian's abduction and death.
- Gerard Anthony Andrews, 29, was arrested in Kenthurst.
- Daniel Stevens, 24, was arrested in Castle Hill.
Both men were taken to Riverstone Police Station for questioning. During raids at their respective addresses and a third search warrant in Lake Macquarie, electronic devices, clothing, and vehicles were seized.
Andrews and Stevens were charged with murder and take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm. They appeared before Blacktown Local Court via video link, where neither applied for bail. Andrews' lawyer indicated his client was not a "mastermind" in the alleged crime, while Stevens' lawyer informed the court his client required medication for shingles. Both cases were adjourned until April 17. Mr. Baghsarian's family released a statement via NSW Police welcoming the news of the arrests.
Ongoing Investigation
Police believe that up to three people were directly involved in the abduction plot, and further arrests may follow. Investigators are currently searching for a third kidnapper seen on CCTV outside Mr. Baghsarian's home and suspect additional individuals were involved, particularly given allegations of filmed torture sessions.
Police allege that the charged men communicated using pig Latin, referencing "ignalsay" for the encrypted messaging app Signal during the plot. Detectives are working to identify and locate a potential local ringleader, who may have fled overseas, and are also investigating if the entire operation was orchestrated internationally.
Context and Expert Commentary
Experts have described cases of mistaken identity abductions as "highly unusual" in Australia. Criminologist Terry Goldsworthy noted that while such events are severe, they do not pose a threat to the general population, classifying them as rare.
Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) indicates a stable rate of abductions and kidnappings in NSW over the past decade. For the year ending September 2025, police recorded 230 reports, an increase from 224 in the preceding year.
BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald explained that this figure includes various incidents, with approximately 40 percent linked to domestic violence and only a small portion being serious ransom-related abductions. Two-thirds of non-domestic abduction incidents target males, and about 80 percent of victims are adults. Prolonged detention of victims is uncommon, with most incidents not extending beyond approximately five hours. Common motivations for such crimes include sexual desire, robbery, and retribution.