By Blessing Nweke
Australian police say they have discovered human remains during the search for a Sydney grandfather who was allegedly kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity nearly two weeks ago.
Widower Chris Baghsarian, 85, was forcibly taken from his home in North Ryde, a suburb of Sydney, shortly before dawn on 13 February. CCTV footage showed masked men bundling the elderly man into a sport utility vehicle before driving away.
Authorities believe the kidnapping was likely a mistake. Investigators say the intended target may have been connected to a relative of someone linked to an organised crime family operating in the city’s underworld.
On Tuesday, police confirmed human remains were located near a golf course on Sydney’s outskirts following an intensive search operation. Earlier, investigators discovered a burnt-out vehicle connected to the alleged kidnappers.
Inside the car, officers found a blood-stained carpet in the boot, which police say links the vehicle to an abandoned property where Baghsarian was believed to have been held hostage.
In the days following the abduction, video circulating among criminal networks appeared to show the elderly man seriously injured, raising fears for his safety.
Police repeatedly appealed for his release, noting Baghsarian suffered from health conditions and required daily medication. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks earlier told reporters the offenders had likely “taken the wrong person,” describing the situation as deeply distressing for the family.
Chris Minns suggested those responsible could abandon Baghsarian safely at a shopping centre, hospital emergency department or nursing home.
Authorities warn mistaken identity attacks are becoming more frequent as organised crime groups increasingly outsource criminal operations. A similar case last year saw a 23 -year- old plumber fatally shot in his driveway.
Original article
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