Sydney Man, 85, Abducted in Mistaken Identity Case; Links to Alameddine Crime Family
Sydney — Australian police are urgently seeking the safe return of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was kidnapped from his North Ryde home on Friday in what authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity. The kidnappers were reportedly targeting an individual connected to the Alameddine crime network.
Details of the Abduction
Chris Baghsarian was taken from his bedroom just after 5:00 AM on Friday by intruders who forced their way into his property. Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Andrew Marks stated he is “a million percent confident they have the wrong person” and that Baghsarian “is not involved in any criminal world.” ABC News
Police are appealing directly to the kidnappers to release Baghsarian, who requires daily medical attention. His family is understandably distressed. He was last seen wearing grey pajamas and a red and green flannel shirt. ABC News
Circulating Video and Evidence
A disturbing video has emerged, reportedly showing Baghsarian being assaulted by his captors. The video, circulated within Sydney’s criminal underworld, depicts a man with his hands tied and face covered, with one of the kidnappers repeatedly covering his mouth and nose. ABC News, RNZ
CCTV footage shows a person exiting a dark-colored SUV and approaching Baghsarian’s home in the early hours of Friday. Approximately five minutes later, the lights of the house turned on, and two individuals exited, entering the vehicle. ABC News, RNZ
The vehicle used in the abduction, a dark Toyota SUV, was later found burnt-out near Baghsarian’s address. RNZ
Connection to the Alameddine Crime Family
Law enforcement sources have indicated that the kidnappers were likely targeting a person with ties to the Alameddine crime family, a western Sydney-based organized crime network. ABC News, Ynetnews
Similar Case in the United States
This case occurs as police and the FBI continue to investigate the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, from her home in Arizona. She was taken two weeks prior, and no suspects have been publicly identified. ABC News