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An 85-year-old Sydney grandfather who police believe was kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity is feared dead after human remains were discovered in bushland near Pitt Town Golf Course.
Detectives allege the man, identified as Chris Baghsarian, was taken from his North Ryde home in the early hours of 13 February 2026.
After more than 10 days of searching, officers located what are believed to be human remains near Pitt Town Bottoms Road, close to a golf course in Sydney’s north-west, on 24 February. Formal forensic identification is underway.
Mistaken identity
Police from the NSW Police Force believe Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target of the abduction.
Investigators have indicated the kidnapping may have been linked to a relative of a known criminal figure, suggesting the elderly man was taken in error. Despite early speculation about ransom demands, police say no ransom request was ever received by Mr Baghsarian’s family.
Family members have described the ordeal as a nightmare, saying the 85-year-old had no links to criminal activity and was a gentle, devoted grandfather.
Evidence trail leads to Pitt Town
The investigation, being led by the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Chobat, followed several key developments.
Earlier in the search, detectives located a burnt-out stolen vehicle and blood-stained materials in Westmead. That discovery helped guide police to the Pitt Town area, where a crime scene was later established in bushland near the golf course.
Officers remain at the scene as forensic examinations continue.
No arrests as investigation continues
As of publication, no arrests have been made.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and have reiterated that those responsible will be pursued.
“This is a deeply distressing matter for the family and the community,” a police spokesperson said. “We are committed to identifying those responsible.”
Police appeal for information
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police are particularly interested in:
- Any CCTV or dashcam footage from the North Ryde area in the early hours of 13 February
- Sightings of suspicious vehicles travelling towards Sydney’s north-west in the days following the abduction
- Information about activity in the Pitt Town Bottoms Road area before the remains were discovered
- Any knowledge of a stolen vehicle later found burnt out in Westmead
Anyone who may have seen something unusual, or who has information that could assist Strike Force Chobat, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the NSW Police website.
Information can be provided anonymously.
Community shock
The discovery has shocked residents across the Hawkesbury, where Pitt Town’s quiet rural setting is better known for farmland and riverside homes than major crime investigations.
For many, the case underscores the devastating ripple effects of organised criminal activity particularly when innocent people are caught in the crossfire.
As forensic testing continues, the Baghsarian family is awaiting formal confirmation.
Police say they will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
