Police have set up a crime scene at a semi-rural property in Sydney’s north west as the search continues for 85 year old Chris Baghsarian who investigators say was taken in a case of mistaken identity.
Officers and specialist detectives carried out a search warrant at about 7pm on Thursday, February 19 at a property on Wildthorn Avenue in Dural.
Police believe kidnappers used it as a makeshift stronghold. Police described the house as vacant and run down.
Mr Baghsarian was kidnapped from his home in North Ryde just after 5am on Friday, February 13.
NSW Police said early inquiries suggested he was not the intended target and that neither he nor his family had links to Sydney’s criminal underworld.
State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad is leading the investigation under Strike Force Chobat. Police said their main priority is still finding Mr Baghsarian and bringing him home safely.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks told reporters on Friday that police had grave concerns for the missing grandfather.
He added that “Hope is fading but we have grave concerns for his safety but we won’t give up trying to find him alive.”
Police said images and video shared online were part of the evidence trail that led investigators to Dural. Forensic teams are now examining the property for anything that could identify those responsible.
Investigators are urging anyone in the Dural area who saw or heard anything unusual over the past week including suspicious vehicles or activity around vacant properties to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
