The Morning Edition Kidnapped, body found: The case of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian
Feb 24, 2026
Riley Walter, a crime reporter for The Age and SMH, walks through a shocking Sydney kidnapping and its fallout. He recounts the early-morning abduction, how investigators discovered it was a case of mistaken identity, and the links to organised crime. He also covers forensic leads, disturbing images that escalated the search, and the discovery of remains near Pitt Town.
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Elderly Grandfather Kidnapped In Violent Early Morning Raid
- Chris Bagzarian, an 85-year-old widower, was taken from his North Ryde bedroom around 5am on February 13 by at least two masked men.
- Witnesses heard glass smashing, dogs barking and a violent struggle before a man hopped into an SUV and fled, leaving the street shocked.
Mistaken Identity Is Rising In Sydney Underworld
- Police quickly concluded the kidnappers targeted the wrong house because the intended target lived very nearby and had alleged underworld links.
- Mistaken identity is rising in Sydney's underworld, with shootings and now this rare wrongful kidnapping alarming detectives.
Underworld Footage Showed Disturbing Injuries
- Graphic images and videos of an injured Chris circulated through Sydney's underworld within days, showing him beaten and bruised.
- The Herald did not publish them, but once police verified the footage it intensified the search and concern for his welfare.