Major Breakthrough in Sydney Grandfather Murd3r Investigation as Alleged Kidnapping Mastermind Faces Charges
A man accused of coordinating the alleged kidnapping and murder of innocent Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian has been charged.
The arrest brings the total number of people charged in relation to the suspected mistaken identity kidnapping of the grandfather to 10.
Chris Baghsarian was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in a case of mistaken identity. NSW Police
Baghsarian, 85, vanished from his home in North Ryde, Sydney, shortly after 5am on Friday, February 13.
Early inquiries established Baghsarian was not the intended target and had been allegedly kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity.
His body was found over a week later, at about 8am on February 24, near a golf club in Pitt Town.
A 32-year-old man has been charged with masterminding the botched alleged kidnapping. NSW Police
Today, police revealed that a 32-year-old man believed to have orchestrated the alleged kidnapping and murder had been charged after being arrested during the investigation for a separate offence.
He was previously arrested in Blacktown the day before Baghsarian’s remains were discovered, as part of an unrelated investigation after an alleged domestic violence offence.
Police allegedly seized methylamphetamine and a pistol from a vehicle they allege belongs to the 32-year-old, while a firearm prohibition order compliance check at a unit on Union Road, Penrith, saw officers seize cannabis and a vehicle.
The man was on that occasion charged with weapon and drug offences and remains before the courts.
Strike Force Chabot, investigating Baghsarian’s death, now alleges the 32-year-old coordinated and participated in the grandfather’s kidnapping and murder.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said the alleged ringleader has been charged. 9News
He was arrested in Lithgow at about 10.20am last Wednesday and charged with kidnapping with intent to ransom, and murder.
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He was refused bail and will next appear in court on July 17.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said police will now allege he was “directly responsible” in the death of the 85-year-old.
“He attended the address, he physically kidnapped Mr Baghsarian, he detained Baghsarian and took him to the property,” Marks said police would allege.
He confirmed that police believe the crime is connected to an organised network that was contracted to kidnap another elderly person, who was not the 85-year-old grandfather.
Marks added that police have been working with the intended target’s family since February, believing they are safe.
At about 9.15am last Thursday, a 22-year-old man was arrested in Riverstone and charged with kidnapping and murder.
He will next appear in court on July 17.
Just before 5am yesterday, a 21-year-old man was arrested in Lethbridge Park and charged with being an accessory to kidnapping and accessory to murder, and drug possession.
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And at about 8.50am yesterday, a 19-year-old man was arrested at Mount Druitt.
Baghsarian’s remains were found near a Pitt Town golf course. 9News
He was charged with being an accessory to kidnapping and accessory to murder.
He will appear in court today.
The investigation into Baghsarian’s death continues as police seek to identify the overseas parties who are believed to have ordered the botched kidnapping.
“Inquiries continue to identify the alleged offshore offenders behind the murder and kidnapping of Chris Baghsarian,” Marks said.
He noted that while authorities are “confident” the main people involved in the kidnapping have been arrested, more arrests could be imminent for people who assisted offenders following the murder.
Marks also said that Baghsarian’s family are “somewhat comforted by the results” police have achieved.
