Two men arrested over kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather
Sydney Morning Herald
by Riley WalterFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two men have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, an elderly widower from Sydney who was mistakenly targeted by suspected members of an organized crime network. The arrests came after police found human remains believed to be Baghsarian's near a golf course in Pitt Town, following his abduction from his North Ryde home on February 13. Detectives from Strike Force Chobat located the suspects, aged 29 and 24, at properties in Kenthurst and Castle Hill, seizing evidence including a Toyota Corolla and other vehicles.
The investigation revealed that Baghsarian was taken in a case of mistaken identity, as the kidnappers were targeting his grandson, Dimitri Stepanyan, a businessman linked to the Alameddine network through Proper Streetwear clothing brand. This connection suggests ties to organized crime, with evidence from a "makeshift stronghold" where Baghsarian was held matching images of him severely injured. The remains and vehicles found by police provided critical links between the suspects and the crime.
Police have emphasized that Baghsarian, who lived alone and had no criminal connections, was an innocent victim. His family expressed gratitude for the arrests while seeking privacy to grieve. The case highlights the dangers of organized crime activity in Australia and underscores law enforcement's commitment to tracking down those responsible for such heinous acts.
The arrest marks a significant step toward justice for Baghsarian’s family, who have endured immense trauma since his abduction. As authorities continue their investigation, the broader implications of this case—linking mistaken identity, organized crime, and violent crime—underscore its importance to readers interested in global criminal activity and law enforcement efforts.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026