Hopes fading for Sydney grandfather kidnapped by mistake, police say

The sun rises over the skyline of central business district of Sydney on Oct. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Hopes are fading for an elderly Sydney man kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity last week and now missing for seven days, Australian police said Friday.

Octogenarian Chris Baghsarian was lifted from his home by three intruders in Sydney’s North Ryde suburb a week ago today and has not been seen since.

“Hope is fading,” New South Wales Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Andrew Marks told journalists.

“We have great concerns for his safety but we won’t give up trying to find him alive.”

On Friday morning, police raided a derelict house in the rural suburb of Dural where Baghsarian was believed to have been held.

They said the property was being used as a “makeshift stronghold” by Baghsarian’s kidnappers.

Videos and photos obtained by local media have reportedly showed Baghsarian with serious injuries, including a severed finger.

Police declined to reply to a reporter’s question about whether a severed finger had been found at the house.

Authorities are adamant that Baghsarian, 85, has no links to organised crime.

He requires daily medical attention and his family are reportedly in deep distress.

“The kidnappers have got the wrong person,” Marks said.

“We don’t know who is responsible, so we’re after assistance from the public to give us information, no matter how small they think it is.”