NSW kidnapping mistake sparks urgent Sydney search

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The NSW kidnapping mistake that led to the abduction of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian has shocked communities across Sydney. Authorities believe the elderly grandfather was taken in error during a botched underworld operation. Police insist this NSW kidnapping mistake was not a random act. Instead, investigators say seasoned offenders targeted the wrong individual in a pre-dawn raid that has left a family in anguish and a city on alert.

Chris Baghsarian was alone inside his North Ryde home when intruders forced entry around 5am on Friday. Neighbours later reported hearing raised voices and unusual sounds. By the time officers arrived, the house showed clear signs of disturbance. The 85-year-old widower had vanished. Detectives believe he was bundled into a dark-coloured SUV parked nearby.

Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks described the incident as deeply troubling. He told reporters that investigators were “one million per cent confident” the offenders had taken the wrong man. According to Marks, this was not a conventional kidnapping driven by ransom demands. Baghsarian’s relatives have not received any threats or financial demands. Police believe the family has no connection to organised crime.

The absence of a ransom note reinforces the theory behind the NSW kidnapping mistake. Detectives suspect the group intended to seize another person entirely. Marks declined to identify the potential intended target, citing operational reasons. However, he emphasised that evidence strongly supports the conclusion that Baghsarian was abducted in error.

Authorities hold grave concerns for the elderly man’s wellbeing. He requires daily medication, which he did not take with him when he was forced from his home. Officers confirmed that Baghsarian was wearing a red and blue flannelette shirt and grey pyjamas at the time. His vulnerable condition has intensified the urgency of the search effort.

CCTV footage broadcast by Nine News appears to show a dark Toyota arriving on Northcott Street shortly before the abduction. A man wearing high-visibility clothing is seen stepping out, followed by another individual. Moments later, the pair are captured pushing the elderly man across the landing toward the vehicle. The SUV then moves closer before driving away from the quiet residential street.

Police later located a burnt-out vehicle matching the SUV’s description nearby. Forensic teams are examining the remains for traces that might identify those responsible. Investigators are also analysing additional surveillance from surrounding properties and traffic cameras. Officers believe the offenders may have planned the operation but executed it with flawed intelligence.

Marks confirmed that police had viewed footage showing Baghsarian restrained after his abduction. The circulation of that video, he said, was “not ideal” and had not originated from law enforcement sources. Detectives are working to trace how the material surfaced and who recorded it. The existence of such footage indicates that multiple individuals may be involved.

The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, issued a direct appeal to those responsible. Speaking publicly, Minns urged the abductors to reconsider their actions. He stated that it was not too late to resolve the crisis without further harm. The premier suggested they leave Baghsarian at a shopping centre, hospital emergency department, or nursing home. He stressed that returning him safely would be the right course.

Community reaction has been swift and emotional. Residents in North Ryde expressed disbelief that such a crime occurred in their neighbourhood. Many described Baghsarian as a quiet and kind neighbour. Friends said he had lived alone for nearly four years since his wife’s death. His routine was familiar and predictable, making the violent intrusion even more disturbing.

Police have urged Sydneysiders to report any unusual activity. Marks asked the public to take note if strangers appear at properties where such movement is uncommon. He explained that community vigilance could prove critical in locating the missing man. Authorities believe someone may have noticed suspicious behaviour without realising its importance.

Despite the alarming nature of the NSW kidnapping mistake, police have reassured residents that there is no broader threat to elderly individuals living alone. Marks emphasised that this case appears linked to criminal circles rather than random targeting. He acknowledged, however, that the sheer error involved raises troubling questions about the offenders’ planning.

Investigators are piecing together the timeline leading up to Friday morning. Early indications suggest the group conducted surveillance but misidentified their intended victim. How that miscalculation occurred remains unclear. Detectives are exploring whether outdated information or mistaken address details contributed to the fatal error.

Security experts note that organised abductions often rely on precise intelligence. When mistakes occur, they can unravel quickly and create unexpected risks. In this case, the NSW kidnapping mistake may have left offenders uncertain about their next move. Analysts suggest the absence of a ransom demand could indicate internal confusion among the group.

Meanwhile, Baghsarian’s family has appealed for his safe return. Relatives described him as a devoted grandfather who values quiet family gatherings. They expressed hope that those responsible will recognise their grave error and release him unharmed. The emotional toll on loved ones has been profound.

Police resources remain heavily deployed across metropolitan Sydney. Specialist units are working alongside homicide detectives, though the investigation is still classified as a kidnapping. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of interstate links. Border alerts have been circulated as a precaution.

As days pass, concern grows about Baghsarian’s health. Medical professionals warn that abrupt discontinuation of essential medication can trigger serious complications. Investigators are urgently following every credible lead. They remain confident that public cooperation could make a decisive difference.

The NSW kidnapping mistake has also prompted discussion about home security for elderly residents. Community groups are encouraging neighbours to maintain regular contact with older individuals who live alone. While police stress this case is unusual, it has heightened awareness of vulnerability within suburban communities.

For now, the focus remains on securing Baghsarian’s safe return. Authorities continue to appeal directly to the abductors’ sense of responsibility. They maintain that releasing the elderly man without delay would mitigate the harm already caused. The premier’s plea underscores a shared hope that compassion may prevail.

As the investigation intensifies, Sydney watches anxiously. Each development carries emotional weight for a family awaiting news. Detectives believe time remains critical but are cautiously optimistic. They insist that every available avenue is being pursued to resolve this NSW kidnapping mistake and reunite Chris Baghsarian with those who love him.

Check our latest news