CCTV released, police seek three more men over Sydney grandfather’s death

NSW Police have released CCTV footage of three more men as they appeal for public assistance into the kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian last month.

The 85-year-old was snatched from his North Ryde home about 5am on February 13 in what police say was a case of mistaken identity after his kidnappers mistakenly targeted the wrong property.

The men were looking for the father of convicted armed robber Dimitri Stepanyan, who lives on the same street as Baghsarian. Demands of a $50 million ransom were made to Stepanyan, who told kidnappers they had abducted the wrong man.

Stepanyan, 37, who is linked to the Alameddine crime family, is not accused of any involvement in Baghsarian’s death.

Baghsarian’s body was found dumped near a golf course in Sydney’s north-west on February 24. Police believe Baghsarian was killed within the first 36 hours he was held captive and tortured.

Two men, Gerard Andrews, 29, and Daniel Stevens, 24, were arrested at their parents’ homes in Kenthurst and Castle Hill by robbery and serious crime squad detectives working under Strike Force Chabot and charged with Baghsarian’s kidnapping and murder.

Investigators on Wednesday released CCTV vision of three additional men who they say may be able to assist with inquiries.

The men are seen in the vision walking towards the alleged kidnapping stronghold on Wildthorn Avenue, Dural, on the night of the abduction. Police say Baghsarian was held hostage and tortured at the abandoned and derelict property, where they believe he was eventually killed.

A blue Hyundai sedan with a hubcap missing on its left side is seen arriving and then leaving the same home just after noon on the following day, February 14.

“We believe these males may be involved. It’s important that we identify who they are, and either rule them in or eliminate them from our inquiries,” NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told ABC Radio on Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information about the identity of the men captured in the CCTV or the driver of the blue car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“This was a heinous offence that impacted the greater community,” Lanyon said.

Detectives believe the local ringleader of Baghsarian’s botched kidnapping fled overseas shortly after he was killed.

Baghsarian has been remembered as a gentle and cheerful man. “The kindest person we know – someone who would never hurt a fly,” his family said in a statement last month.

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