The investigation into the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian has taken a dramatic turn, with police now publicly stating they believe the crime involved “more than three” offenders and warning that additional arrests are likely. The revelation has fueled outrage across Australia, as grieving relatives and community members demand answers about how many people participated in the brutal mistaken-identity abduction that ended in tragedy.

Chris Baghsarian, a widower who lived alone in North Ryde, was ripped from his bed in the pre-dawn hours of February 13, 2026. Masked men forced their way into his modest home, bundled the elderly man into an SUV, and sped away. CCTV footage captured the chilling scene: high-visibility clothing, coordinated movements, and the unmistakable terror on Baghsarian’s face as he was pushed across the landing toward the waiting vehicle.

From the outset, NSW Police made it clear this was no ordinary crime. Within 36 hours of the abduction, detectives revealed Baghsarian was not the intended target. The kidnappers had stormed the wrong house in what appears to have been a case of mistaken identity. The real target, according to multiple reports, was likely a man with known links to organized crime—possibly a relative or associate of a prominent Sydney crime family—or someone connected to a high-stakes criminal enterprise. Police have not named the intended victim but have repeatedly stated they are “one million percent confident” Baghsarian had no criminal connections whatsoever.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded a $50 million ransom, believing they had seized someone whose family or associates could pay such a sum. When they realized their error—possibly after checking identification or contacting the wrong people—the situation spiraled into violence. Eleven days later, on February 24, human remains were discovered near a golf course in Pitt Town, northwest of Sydney. Forensic testing confirmed they belonged to Chris Baghsarian. The following day, police executed simultaneous raids in Kenthurst and Castle Hill, arresting two men: Daniel Stevens, 24, and Gerard Andrews, 29.

Both men were charged late on February 25 with murder and taking or detaining in company with intent to ransom, occasioning actual bodily harm. They appeared via video link in Blacktown Local Court on February 26 and were denied bail. Their cases were adjourned until April 17.

What has sent shockwaves through the community is the language police used when announcing the charges. Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks, commander of the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, stated explicitly that the two arrested men “participated in a joint criminal enterprise with other persons” that led to Baghsarian’s death. He added that investigators suspect there were “more than three” offenders involved and that further arrests have not been ruled out.

The admission has ignited fury among those following the case. Many are asking how a group of people could plan, execute, and carry out such a violent crime against an innocent elderly man—and why it took nearly two weeks to make the first arrests. Online forums, social media groups, and public comments have been filled with outrage over the possibility of hidden accomplices still at large. “If there are more people involved, why aren’t they in custody yet?” one commenter wrote on a popular Sydney news page. “This poor man suffered because of their incompetence and greed.”

Police believe the kidnapping was orchestrated by organized criminals using encrypted communication devices to coordinate. Marks emphasized that the offenders “hide behind encrypted devices,” making it more difficult to trace the full chain of command. Investigators are now working to identify any overseas actors who may have ordered or financed the operation, though no concrete links have been confirmed.

The case has also exposed deep tensions within Sydney’s underworld. Sources with knowledge of organized crime have told media outlets that major figures are “on the warpath” over the botched kidnapping. One legal source claimed that those responsible for targeting the wrong man—and ultimately killing an innocent grandfather—face severe retaliation. “I’m told the fools who did this will be eliminated,” the source said. “Not just for killing the wrong guy, but for having the audacity to plan the abduction of the real target in the first place.”

The alleged intended victim, reportedly a businessman with ties to a well-known crime family, has reportedly fled his home along with relatives after being publicly named in media reports. Locals speculate they may never return, fearing reprisals from rival groups furious over the public exposure and the murder of an innocent man.

For Chris Baghsarian’s family, the news of possible additional perpetrators has reopened wounds that had barely begun to heal. Relatives have spoken of the grandfather as a gentle, hardworking widower who loved his family, his garden, and his quiet life in North Ryde. The idea that more people may have been involved in his abduction and death has intensified calls for justice.

NSW Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. A dedicated tip line remains active, and investigators say they are following every lead. The two men already charged remain in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for April.

As the investigation widens, the case of Chris Baghsarian stands as a tragic reminder of how quickly an ordinary life can be destroyed by criminal miscalculation. An 85-year-old grandfather—taken by mistake, held, and ultimately killed—has become the unintended victim of a ruthless underworld plan. With police now openly acknowledging the likelihood of hidden accomplices, the public’s demand for full accountability has only grown louder.

The question is no longer whether justice will be served for Chris Baghsarian. It is how many more people will be held responsible before that justice is complete.