Elderly Man Kidnapped: New Evidence Suggests He's Still Alive

Police believe 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was taken by mistake, targeting the wrong person linked to organized crime

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A shocking case of mistaken identity has unfolded in Sydney, leaving an elderly man, Chris Baghsarian, in the hands of kidnappers. The 85-year-old widower, a grandfather and a daily medication user, was abducted from his North Ryde home early on Friday morning. Police believe he was taken by mistake, targeting the wrong person possibly linked to the Alameddine organized crime network living nearby.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the increasing trend of mistaken identity cases in Sydney's underworld, where contractors are hired by larger crime networks to target the wrong individuals. It also highlights the human impact on victims and their families when these incidents occur.

The details

Images and videos of Baghsarian's injuries have surfaced within Sydney's criminal underworld, depicting him in the same clothes he was wearing when abducted, with severe injuries. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks has confirmed that neither Baghsarian nor his family are involved in organized crime, suggesting the kidnappers intended to take someone else.

  • On Friday morning, Baghsarian was abducted from his North Ryde home.
  • Last May, a similar incident occurred when 23-year-old John Versace, a plumber with no criminal record, was shot dead in his family's driveway, also believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

The players

Chris Baghsarian

An 85-year-old widower, a grandfather and a daily medication user, who was abducted from his North Ryde home.

Andrew Marks

The commander of the robbery and serious crime squad, who has confirmed that neither Baghsarian nor his family are involved in organized crime.

Chris Minns

The Premier of New South Wales, who has pleaded for Baghsarian's safe return.

John Versace

A 23-year-old plumber with no criminal record, who was shot dead in his family's driveway last May in a case of mistaken identity.

Alameddine organized crime network

A criminal organization believed to be living near Baghsarian's home, which may have been the intended target of the kidnapping.

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What they’re saying

“This is a distressing situation. We want to bring Mr. Baghsarian back to his family. We're asking those responsible to do the right thing and end this.”

— Andrew Marks, Detective Acting Superintendent

“We want to bring Mr. Baghsarian back to his family. We're asking those responsible to do the right thing and end this.”

— Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales

What’s next

The police are urging anyone with information about the kidnapping or the neighboring unoccupied home to come forward. Every hour counts in this race against time.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns in the community about mistaken identity cases in Sydney's underworld, raising questions about the impact on victims and their families, as well as the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.