NSW Police say four more men have been charged as detectives continue to investigate the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, a case that has drawn renewed attention to organised-crime violence and mistaken-identity risks in the city’s underworld disputes.
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was allegedly taken from his North Ryde home on February 13. His disappearance triggered an 11-day search before his remains were found near a golf course at Pitt Town, in Sydney’s north-west. Police have previously alleged the elderly man was not the intended target of the operation.
Police allege further roles in kidnapping plot
In the latest development, detectives have charged a 32-year-old man who they allege coordinated and participated in the kidnapping and murder. Police said the man had earlier been arrested in Blacktown on February 23 during an unrelated investigation, when officers allegedly seized methylamphetamine and a pistol during a vehicle search.
Those earlier matters were already before the courts. Investigators now allege subsequent inquiries linked the man to the planning and execution of the abduction. He was arrested at Lithgow on July 8 and charged with taking or detaining a person in company with intent to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, and murder. He has been refused bail and is due to return to court on July 17.
Police have also charged a 22-year-old man with the same kidnapping-related offence and murder in connection with Mr Baghsarian’s death. He was refused bail and is also expected to appear in court on July 17.
Accessory allegations before the courts
A 21-year-old Lethbridge Park man has been charged with being an accessory before the fact to taking or detaining a person in company with intent to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm, being an accessory before the fact to murder, and possessing a prohibited drug. Police said he was refused bail after facing court.
A fourth newly charged man, aged 19, has been accused of being an accessory before the fact to the kidnapping-related offence and an accessory before the fact to murder. He was expected to face Mt Druitt Local Court.
The new charges bring the total number of men charged over the alleged abduction and killing to 11. Seven men had already been charged and remain before the courts. As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations remain to be tested in court and the accused men are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Mistaken identity central to investigation
Investigators have indicated they believe the alleged plot was connected to a target other than Mr Baghsarian. It is understood a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan was the intended target, with Mr Baghsarian allegedly abducted by mistake. Police have not suggested Mr Baghsarian had any involvement in the dispute that allegedly led to the attack.
The case has become one of Sydney’s most disturbing recent examples of alleged organised-crime violence spilling beyond its intended target. The age of the victim, the allegation of mistaken identity and the discovery of his remains after a large search have all contributed to public concern about the reach of violent criminal networks.
International lines of inquiry remain active
Police say inquiries are continuing, including efforts to identify alleged offshore offenders involved in the operation. That element suggests detectives are examining whether planning, direction or support for the alleged kidnapping extended beyond Australia.
The investigation remains active and further arrests have not been ruled out. For Mr Baghsarian’s family, the latest charges mark another step in a lengthy criminal justice process following a disappearance that began at his home and ended with the recovery of his remains in Sydney’s north-west.
Source: NSW Police details reported by ABC News Australia.
