Chris Baghsarian: evidence linked to Sydney kidnap victim, 85, discovered in burnt-out car as search continues
The Guardian World
by Jordyn BeazleyFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Forensic evidence connected to the abduction of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian has been discovered in a burnt-out car found near Westmead, Sydney. Police identified links between the vehicle and an abandoned property in Dural, leading them to believe it may hold critical clues in their ongoing investigation into the case, which they suspect was a mistaken identity kidnapping. Acting Det Supt Andrew Marks has urged the public to submit any footage of a grey Toyota Corolla spotted near the area, as authorities continue to search bushland for further evidence.
Eleven days after Baghsarian’s disappearance, police revealed that the car was found charred but intact enough to extract forensic data. This development comes amid speculation that Baghsarian may have been targeted due to a case of mistaken identity, possibly because he resembled someone else sought by the abductors. The connection between the vehicle and the abandoned property suggests a potential trail leading back to the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made yet.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026