True target of botched kidnap plot revealed

Fears are growing that kidnappers killed 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian and dumped his body in bushland once they realised their mistake.

Police searches have been focused at Glenorie where officers believe Mr Baghsarian’s body may have been dumped on February 14, a day after he was dragged by three men from his North Ryde home.

The Daily Telegraph has revealed that the intended target of the kidnap were relatives of Dimitri Stepanyan a successful Sydney businessman who has since moved overseas.

Mr Stepanyan used to live in the same street as Mr Baghsarian and he received a message from the kidnappers showing a picture of Mr Baghsarian tied up over encrypted app Threema.

He replied to the kidnappers that they had “plugged the wrong bloke”.

Investigators worked out that the pictures had been taken on the floor of a home in Dural but when they arrived, the kidnappers had already left.

Detectives identified the property late last week, only to find the kidnappers had already left.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander Superintendent Andrew Marks refused to publicly say whether police thought Mr Baghsarian was dead.

“It’s not a great feeling that we have in relation to his health, and his survival. So every day, for us, is of importance,” Supt Marks said.

Police have analysed forensic evidence found inside a grey Toyota Corolla sedan that was found burnt out and was linked to the Dural property.

Police have also linked the car to being around the Glenorie area on February 14.

“The vehicle was not completely destroyed, and we’ve been able to recover forensic evidence that links it back to the Dural property and to Mr Baghsarian,” Supt Marks said.

“That same vehicle of interest was sighted in the Glenorie area after 9pm, which has helped direct our current search efforts.”

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mr Stepanyan in regards to Mr Baghsarian, nor is it clear why his family was targeted by an underworld kidnap crew.