Human remains found in search for kidnapped grandfather

Sydney Morning Herald

by Riley Walter

February 24, 2026

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Human remains found in search for kidnapped grandfather

Human remains believed to be those of Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old grandfather kidnapped from his Sydney home on February 13, have been discovered near a golf club in Pitt Town. Police identified the remains after a robbery and serious crime squad conducted an extensive search following reports that Baghsarian had been held hostage for nearly two weeks in what is suspected to be a case of mistaken identity. The discovery came as detectives uncovered evidence linking the remains to Baghsarian, including items found at a nearby abandoned property where they believe he was held. Baghsarian, a widower with no known ties to organized crime, was taken from his North Ryde home in a suspected targeted operation. Police later connected the kidnapping to a torched Toyota Corolla found days after the abduction, which had been seen near Baghsarian’s captors’ hideout in Dural. The car, reported stolen from Victoria with cloned registration plates, contained forensic evidence that matched both the vehicle and the abandoned property. Additionally, video footage and images circulating Sydney’s underworld showed a severely injured Baghsarian in the same clothing he was wearing when taken. The investigation also revealed connections to Dimitri Stepanyan, a businessman linked to the Alameddine crime family. While Stepanyan has not been accused of involvement in the kidnapping, police believe the suspects may have mistaken Baghsarian for someone associated with Stepanyan’s network. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in high-profile crimes tied to organized criminal networks. This story underscores the dangers posed by organized crime groups and their influence on innocent individuals caught in the crossfire. The discovery of Baghsarian’s

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026