Recently surfaced video footage captures the dramatic arrest of a man by heavily armed police, as authorities announce the charging of a third individual in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian.
The 23-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody at a residence in Seven Hills, located in Sydney’s western suburbs. The arrest occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The man was led out of the house in his underwear, hands cuffed securely behind his back.
Standing on the pavement with his head lowered, he listened as detectives informed him of his rights before being placed into a police vehicle.
A detective addressed him, stating, “You’re under arrest for the kidnapping and murder of Chris Baghsarian on Friday, February 13, 2025. Do you understand that?” The man simply responded, “Yeah.”
The suspect, who bears prominent tattoos on his chest and right arm, was also observed with several bleeding cuts on his back and shoulders.
The man, who has a series of distinctive tattoos across his chest and right arm, was also sporting several bleeding gashes to his back and shoulders.
It is not clear how the man sustained those injuries.
A 23-year-old woman was also arrested at the same property.
A third man has been charged in relation to the kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian
Police arrested the 23-year-old on Wednesday morning at a property in Sydney’s west
During the search, police seized firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, prohibited weapons, a significant quantity of prohibited drugs as well as mobile phones and electronic devices.
On Wednesday afternoon, NSW Police confirmed the man was charged with 10 offences including murder and special aggravated kidnapping.
He was also charged with a range of unauthorised firearm possession and drug supply and possession charges.
‘We will allege that he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian,’ Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks said.
‘We will also allege that he arranged people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian’s body.’
Superintendent Marks said police would allege the 23-year-old was a major player.
‘What we will allege is that he is not the highest, but he is a major player in this matter,’ he said.
‘He was there at the North Ryde address, and we will allege he conveyed Mr Baghsarian to the stronghold … in Dural where he was kept.’
The man was read his rights by detectives before being taken to the back of the police van
Police seized firearms, ammunition, and prohibited weapons from the Seven Hills property
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday.
The woman who was also arrested was charged with contravening a prohibition/restriction in an Apprehended Violence Order (Domestic) and was due to front Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday.
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13, in what police have described as a case of mistaken identity.
His remains were located 11 days later near a golf club in Pitt Town.
The following day, police arrested and charged 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens over the alleged kidnapping and murder.
Court documents detail allegations that Andrews and Stevens transported Mr Baghsarian to a semi-rural makeshift stronghold in Dural, on the city’s outskirts.
CCTV footage has since emerged of three men walking towards the alleged kidnappers’ Wildthorn Avenue base in Dural on the night of the kidnapping.
The following day, on February 14, a blue Hyundai sedan was seen arriving at the same property before leaving shortly after 12pm.
Firearms parts and ammunition were found next to a bag of chips and a broken earring in newly-released photos of Wednesday’s raid
Police say a significant amount of prohibited drugs were also found at the property
Detectives believe these men could help with their investigations.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander Andrew Marks said the case was akin to somebody’s worst nightmare.
‘These people need to be held to account for that and that’s why we are bringing these people before the courts,’ he said.
Police believe the intended target for the abduction was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street as Mr Baghsarian.
Detective Superintendent Marks suspected the intended target was to be kidnapped in the hope of a ransom would be paid, and confirmed reports the figure demanded was $50million.
Mr Baghsarian’s family, who described the harrowing ordeal of the kidnapping as a nightmare, expressed relief the alleged offenders had been caught.
They have asked for privacy as they come to grips with the death of their devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather ‘who would never hurt a fly’.
Anyone with information about the identity of the men in the CCTV or the driver of the blue car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
