A ‘major player’ in the alleged kidnapping and murder of an 85-year-old Sydney grandfather has been charged with murder, police have said. The man. A 23-year-old arrested in the north-west suburb of Seven Hills, is accused of facilitating the abduction of Chris Baghsarian, who was taken from his home in North Ryde on 13 February and whose body was found nearly two weeks later near a golf course.

Police Detail Role in Kidnapping and Disposal

Det Chief Insp Andrew Marks described the man as ‘not the highest but a major player in this matter,’ and said he is alleged to have recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Baghsarian. The man is also accused of arranging for people to dispose of the grandfather’s body, according to police.

Marks said the suspect was ‘physically involved’ in the kidnapping and was present at the North Ryde address where Baghsarian was taken. He also claimed the man conveyed the victim to a ‘stronghold’ in Dural, on the outskirts of Sydney, where the grandfather was held for 40 hours before his body was discovered.

The 23-year-old was arrested early Wednesday and refused bail, and he will appear in court on Thursday. A 23-year-old woman arrested at the same time has been charged with breaching an apprehended violence order but is not connected to Baghsarian’s death, according to police.

Multiple People Involved in Crime

Police believe up to nine people were involved in the kidnapping and murder of Baghsarian, and they are continuing their investigation. Two men. 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens, were arrested and charged with kidnap and murder last month, a day after Baghsarian’s body was found, while they are due to appear in court again in April.

Local media have suggested the alleged attack may have been aimed at a family with links to organized crime. In the days following the kidnapping. Police urged those who had taken Baghsarian to return him safely, as he had health issues and required daily medication.

Last week, police released CCTV footage of three men near the Dural stronghold where Baghsarian was held; Authorities believe the 23-year-old charged on Wednesday was one of the trio pictured in the video.

Significance of the Case

The case has drawn significant attention due to the alleged mistaken identity that led to the kidnapping; Baghsarian’s family had no known links to criminal activity, which has raised questions about why he was targeted. The police have emphasized that the suspect is not the mastermind but a key figure in the operation.

According to the police, the man was ‘in and around the area’ for the 40 hours that Baghsarian was held. This detail suggests he played a direct role in the victim’s detention and subsequent disposal; the investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to look into other individuals who may have been involved.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that more people are connected to the case. The charges against the 23-year-old include kidnap, murder, and firearms and drugs offenses, which indicate a broader criminal network may be involved.

The case has also raised concerns about the safety of elderly individuals in the community, as Baghsarian was taken from his own home and held for an extended period. His health issues made the situation even more critical, as he required regular medication.

The 23-year-old charged with murder is set to appear in court on Thursday, and further details about the case may emerge during that hearing. The two men already charged with kidnap and murder are scheduled to appear in court again in April, which could provide more insight into the investigation.

Police have not provided a timeline for the full resolution of the case, but they have stated that they are working to identify all individuals involved. The investigation into the alleged mistaken identity kidnapping has already led to multiple arrests, and it is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

The case highlights the potential dangers of mistaken identity and the serious consequences that can arise from such errors. It also shows the importance of thorough investigations when dealing with cases involving vulnerable individuals.

As the legal process unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how the justice system addresses the alleged crimes and whether any further charges are brought against other individuals connected to the case.