A NSW Police helicopter has been spotted circling an area near where a grandfather’s hostage video was filmed, just hours after investigators confirmed a burnt out car was linked to his case.
Chris Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped in what police believed to be a case of mistaken identity on Friday, February 13.
The beloved grandfather was snatched from his home in North Ryde, north Sydney, and bundled into a dark-coloured SUV shortly before dawn.
Mr Baghsarian, who relies on daily medication, was then taken to a property in Dural, about 20km from North Ryde, and beaten before being forced to film a video directed at a gangland figure.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, NSW Police confirmed a vehicle found last week was tied to Mr Baghsarian’s kidnapping.
A massive fire had engulfed two vehicles on Good Street, in Westmead – about 20km in the opposite direction of Dural from North Ryde, about 11.30pm on Monday.
The targeted vehicle was a 2022 Toyota Corolla stolen from Victoria with the registration 1UZ2BU.
‘Investigators believe the Toyota Corolla in the images released is linked to the crime scene at an address in Dural, which is determined to be linked to the kidnapping,’ NSW Police said in a statement.
A burnt out car (above) was tied to the kidnapping of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian
Mr Baghsarian (above) was snatched from his home in North Ryde on February 13
A property in Glenorie was being searched by NSW Police on Sunday
It’s understood Baghsarian was beaten and forced to film hostage-style videos at an abandoned home in Dural (above)
‘As the intensive investigation continues to locate Mr Baghsarian and to identify and arrest those responsible for his kidnapping, police are appealing for further public assistance.’
Following that discovery, NSW Police were seen executing a large-scale operation on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie, 30km north-west of North Ryde, on Sunday.
NSW Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia there is currently an ongoing operation in Glenorie.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage relating to the kidnapping or suspicious activity in the Westmead area is urged to contact detectives.
More to come…
