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Sydney abduction case
Police in Sydney arrested two men, aged 24 and 29, and charged them over the abduction and death of 85-year-old pensioner Chris Baghsarian after he was taken from his North Ryde home on Feb. 13.
“Two men have been charged over thekidnapping and murderof a grandfather after hisremains were foundin bushland”
Human remains later identified as his were found near a Pitt Town golf club following an extensive search.
Authorities say CCTV showed him being forced into an SUV and that a video of him being assaulted circulated alongside a ransom demand, prompting raids and arrests in Sydney’s north-west.
Detectives described the suspects’ actions as part of a "joint criminal enterprise" and say more arrests are expected as inquiries and forensic testing continue.
Searches, seizures and arrests
Police executed multiple search warrants at properties in Kenthurst, Castle Hill and Lake Macquarie.
They seized vehicles, electronics and clothing, and towed a Toyota thought to be linked to the abduction.
Two men were detained in early-morning raids and have been identified by detectives as participants in the alleged joint criminal enterprise.
Some outlets include footage and vivid descriptions of the arrests, while police outlets and mainstream broadcasters focused on the items seized and the locations searched as part of 'Strike Force Chobat'.
Ransom-related murder charges
Authorities have formally charged two men with murder and kidnapping with intent to ransom; court documents and police said both were refused bail and are due to appear at Blacktown Local Court.
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Detectives described the alleged offence as ransom‑motivated and reported that a video of the assault accompanied a ransom demand, but at least one outlet says investigators have not publicly disclosed how Baghsarian died.
Police continue to seek at least one other person and say further arrests are likely as they review seized evidence.
Alleged mistaken-identity abduction
Police say the abduction was likely the result of mistaken identity.
Investigators allege the intended target was a relative of an underworld-linked Sydney businessman, with several outlets naming Dimitri Stepanyan in that context.
Media reports also say screenshots and online posts show kidnappers demanding an AU$50 million ransom, though outlets differ on how explicitly they connect those materials to the formal police account.
Police have said the victim and his family have no criminal or underworld links.
According to some reports, relatives repeatedly told kidnappers they had the wrong man.
Family reaction and media coverage
Family members and community sources described Baghsarian as a gentle, amiable family man.
“By Jamie McKinnell By Shannon Corvo Topic:Police Police have charged two men over the alleged abduction and murder of Chris Baghsarain”
Relatives have asked for privacy while police continue their probe.
Investigators warned more arrests are possible as they review seized devices.
Community and ethnic outlets emphasise the personal loss and dignity of the victim.
Mainstream broadcasters echo police procedural language and court updates.
Tabloid outlets foreground dramatic footage from raids and arrests.
