The family of Chris Baghsarian, the 85-year-old kidnapped from his Sydney home in what police say was clearly a case of mistaken identity, say they are living a nightmare as they wait for some form of closure.
The widower, who lived alone, was taken from the bedroom of his North Ryde property about 5am on Friday, prompting police to issue a direct plea to the abductors, who they believe kidnapped the wrong person.
“Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible,” the statement, released by NSW Police on Tuesday, reads.
“Chris’ kidnapping feels surreal, and we are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us.”
Baghsarian’s family said he was deeply loved and a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather.
“The kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly,” the family said.
“As we wait for some form of closure or resolution, we ask for privacy.
“This is an extraordinarily distressing time, and we need space to support one another and focus on navigating what comes next.”
Police found signs of forced entry at the North Ryde home, and are investigating whether the intended target was a figure linked to the Alameddine organised crime network living nearby.
Video has since emerged of an injured Baghsarian at an unknown location.
Baghsarian is pictured in the video in the grey tracksuit pants and flannelette shirt he was wearing when abducted.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said it was a disgraceful incident, calling on the kidnappers to return Baghsarian to his family.
“This is clearly a case of mistaken identity,” he said on Tuesday.
“It certainly shows the disregard that those involved in organised crime have for individuals.”
“You have the wrong person,” Lanyon said.
Premier Chris Minns has also pleaded for Baghsarian’s return
Cases of mistaken identity have become increasingly common in Sydney’s underworld as contractors are hired to carry out crimes on behalf of larger organised crime networks.
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Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
