Dramatic footage has emerged showing the moment a 23-year-old man was hauled from his home by heavily armed police officers in Sydney's west. The arrest comes as detectives prepare to charge a third individual in connection with the alleged kidnap and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian.
Early Morning Raid in Seven Hills
The unidentified suspect was escorted from a property in Seven Hills at approximately 6:30am on Wednesday morning. He was clad only in his underwear with his hands firmly cuffed behind his back during the arrest. The man stood on the pavement with his head bowed as detectives read him his rights before he was placed into a police van.
"You're under arrest for the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian on Friday, the 13th February 2025. Do you understand that?" one detective asked him. The man replied simply: "Yeah."
Injuries and Tattoos
The suspect displayed several distinctive tattoos across his chest and right arm, along with multiple bleeding gashes on his back and shoulders. Police have not clarified how these injuries were sustained. A 23-year-old woman was also arrested at the same property, though she is expected to face charges unrelated to the kidnapping and murder case.
Significant Evidence Seized
During the search of the Seven Hills property, police confiscated substantial evidence including:
- Firearms and firearm parts
- Ammunition and prohibited weapons
- A significant quantity of prohibited drugs
- Mobile phones and electronic devices
Newly-released photos from the raid show firearms parts and ammunition discovered alongside everyday items like a bag of chips and a broken earring.
Alleged Role in the Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the 23-year-old man is expected to be charged with special aggravated kidnapping and murder. "We will allege that he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian," Marks stated.
"We will also allege that he arranged people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian's body." The detective described the suspect as "a major player" in the case, though not the highest-ranking individual involved.
According to police allegations, the man was present at the North Ryde address where Baghsarian was taken and helped transport the victim to a makeshift stronghold in Dural where he was held captive.
Background of the Case
Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13 in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. His remains were discovered 11 days later near a golf club in Pitt Town.
Police have previously arrested and charged two other men: 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens. Court documents allege that Andrews and Stevens transported Mr Baghsarian to the semi-rural stronghold in Dural.
CCTV Evidence
CCTV footage has emerged showing three men walking toward the alleged kidnappers' Wildthorn Avenue base in Dural on the night of the kidnapping. The following day, February 14, a blue Hyundai sedan was observed arriving at the same property before departing shortly after noon. Detectives believe these individuals could assist with their ongoing investigation.
Mistaken Identity and Ransom Demand
Police believe the intended abduction target was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street as Mr Baghsarian. Detective Superintendent Marks confirmed that the kidnappers allegedly sought a $50 million ransom for their intended victim.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander Andrew Marks described the case as "akin to somebody's worst nightmare." He emphasized: "These people need to be held to account for that and that's why we are bringing these people before the courts."
Family Response
Mr Baghsarian's family, who described the kidnapping ordeal as a harrowing nightmare, expressed relief that alleged offenders have been apprehended. They have requested privacy as they grieve the loss of their "devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather 'who would never hurt a fly.'"
Authorities continue to appeal for information about the identity of the men captured on CCTV or the driver of the blue Hyundai sedan. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
