Police raid 'stronghold' linked to kidnap of Sydney grandfather

The investigation into the tragic case of Chris Baghsarian’s alleged mistaken-identity kidnapping and murder has taken a new turn with the arrest of a fourth individual. This latest suspect, a 19-year-old, faces charges not only for his involvement in this heinous crime but also for arson.

Moustafa Ohrok, 19, did not apply for bail in Mt Druitt Local Court today after being charged with the murder of the 85-year-old in February.
Ohrok was arrested yesterday, after Baghsarian was taken from his home in Sydney‘s north in the early hours of February 13.
Chris Baghsarian (NSW Police)

Previously, three others had been apprehended and are currently navigating the judicial process. This recent development adds another layer to an already complex case that has gripped the community and authorities alike.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the young man arrested yesterday was involved in the initial abduction of Baghsarian.

In a conversation with 2GB radio, Detective Superintendent Lanyon revealed, “We’re alleging this 19-year-old actually provided a firearm that was used in his initial kidnapping.” This chilling revelation underscores the serious nature of the charges being leveled against the young suspect.

Law enforcement officials are diligently working to identify any additional individuals who may have played a role in this tragic incident. The investigation remains active as they leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

In court proceedings held yesterday, the accused faced charges of damaging property by fire and participating in a criminal group, further complicating his legal troubles. His next court appearance, where he will face murder and kidnap charges, is scheduled for June 12 at Penrith Local Court. The upcoming hearing is sure to be closely watched as the community seeks answers and accountability in this unsettling case.

The 19-year-old will appear in Penrith Local Court on the murder and kidnap charges on June 12.

The widower was not the intended target and had been taken in a case of mistaken identity, police have said.

They made several public appeals, urging the kidnappers to release the 85-year-old and return him to his family.

But on February 24, his body was found near a golf club in Pitt Town in Sydney‘s northwest.
Police suspect the perpetrators aimed to abduct a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street as Baghsarian, with the hope of receiving a $50 million ransom.

Investigators believe Baghsarian was killed on the night of February 14 at a makeshift stronghold in Dural, about a half-hour drive from where his remains were found.

A growing number of underworld attacks have permeated Sydney streets, with Lanyon saying the city is dealing with a very different organised crime environment.

“We are seeing young people predominantly being contracted online to conduct very serious criminal activity,” he said.

“There are a lot of young people who are seeing what they believe to be an easy dollar but not understanding the ramifications … the crime of murder carries life.”

Five others, including a 15-year-old boy, were charged today over a separate kidnapping in south-west Sydney.

The group are accused of beating up a bodyguard with a baseball bat and abducting him in his own car before being freed by police an hour later.

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