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Fourth Person Charged in Mistaken-Identity Kidnapping and Murder of 85-Year-Old Chris Baghsarian

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Fourth Person Charged in Sydney Kidnapping and Murder Case

A 19-year-old man has become the fourth person charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was abducted from his Sydney home in a case police have described as mistaken identity.

Arrest and Charges

Moustafa Ohrok, 19, was arrested at Mount Druitt Police Station on April 23. He has been charged with:

  • Murder
  • Take or detain in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm
  • Damaging property by fire
  • Participating in a criminal group

Police allege Ohrok provided the firearm used in the initial kidnapping.

Ohrok did not apply for bail during his appearance at Mount Druitt Local Court. He is scheduled to appear in Penrith Local Court on the murder and kidnapping charges on June 12, and in Parramatta Local Court on the arson and criminal group charges on May 21.

The Abduction

Chris Baghsarian was taken from his home on Northcott Street in North Ryde at approximately 5 a.m. on February 13. According to police, intruders forced their way into his bedroom and placed him into a dark-colored SUV.

A vehicle used in the abduction—a dark Toyota SUV—was later found burned out in the suburb of North Turramurra.

Police stated the abduction was a case of mistaken identity. The intended target is believed to have been a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street. The kidnappers reportedly sought a $50 million ransom.

Investigation and Discovery

Police identified a semi-rural property on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural as a location of interest, believed to have been used as a base by the captors. A search warrant was executed at the property on February 19.

CCTV footage released by police shows three individuals walking toward the Dural address on the night of February 13. A blue Hyundai sedan, noted to be missing a hubcap on the left-hand side, was observed arriving at and departing the Dural property around 12 p.m. on February 14.

Mr. Baghsarian's remains were discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town on February 24, 11 days after his abduction. Investigators believe he was killed on the night of February 14 at the Dural property. The cause of death has not been released.

Previously Charged Individuals

Three other individuals have been charged in relation to the case and remain before the courts:

  • Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29, were arrested in February and charged with murder and taking or detaining in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm. Police allege they participated in a joint criminal enterprise leading to Mr. Baghsarian's death.

  • Delkin Donnelly, 23, was arrested at his Seven Hills home in late March. He was charged with murder, taking and detaining in company with intent to ransom occasioning actual bodily harm, and possessing an unauthorized firearm. Additional weapons and drug charges were laid after a shotgun, handgun, and drugs were seized from his residence. Police allege Donnelly facilitated the kidnapping, recruited others to detain Mr. Baghsarian, and organized the disposal of remains.

A 23-year-old woman arrested at the Seven Hills property with Donnelly was charged with breaching an apprehended violence order in an unrelated matter and has not been charged in connection with Mr. Baghsarian's death.

Police Statements

"We believe up to nine individuals may have been involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder." — Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks

Detective Marks described the Dural property as a central meeting point, with individuals participating in different aspects of the crime, including the initial abduction, detention, and disposal of remains.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that the 19-year-old was involved in the initial abduction and provided a firearm. Lanyon also commented on organized crime in Sydney, noting that young people are being contracted online for serious criminal activities.

Family Response

Mr. Baghsarian's family released statements describing the events as a difficult experience and remembering him as a devoted family member. They have requested privacy as the legal proceedings continue.