New development in horror mistaken identity kidnapping murder of Sydney grandfather - as two more arrested
- Chris Baghsarian, 85, was killed last month
- Man and woman, both 23, arrested
- READ MORE: Abandoned farm where Chris Baghsarian's body was found
A third person is expected to be charged over the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian.
Police arrested a man and woman, both aged 23, on Wednesday morning at a property in Seven Hills, in Sydney's west.
They were taken to Riverstone and Blacktown Police Stations, where police say they are assisting with inquiries.
'Following extensive inquiries, about 6.30am today, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit – executed a search warrant in Seven Hills,' a spokesperson for NSW Police said.
'Investigations under Strike Force Chabot continue.'
Detective chief inspector Andrew Marks said the 23-year-old man is expected to be charged with special aggravated kidnapping and murder.
'We will allege that he facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian,' he said.
'We will also allege that he arranged people to dispose of Mr Baghsarian's body.'
Two more people have been arrested in relation to the kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian
Police arrested a man and woman, both aged 23, on Wednesday morning at a property in Seven Hills, in Sydney's west
Detective chief inspector Andrew Marks said the 23-year-old man is expected to be charged with special aggravated kidnapping and murder
Superintendent Marks said police would allege the 23-year-old was a major player.
'What we will allege is that he is not the highest, but he is a major player in this matter,' he said.
'He was there at the North Ryde address, and we will allege he conveyed Mr Baghsarian to the stronghold … in Dural where he was kept.'
The 23-year-old woman who was also arrested is expected to be charged over a matter unrelated to the alleged kidnapping and murder.
Mr Baghsarian, 85, was kidnapped from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13, in what police have described as a case of mistaken identity.
His remains were located 11 days later near a golf club in Pitt Town.
The following day, police arrested and charged 29-year-old Gerard Andrews and 24-year-old Daniel Stevens over the alleged kidnapping and murder.
Court documents detail allegations that Andrews and Stevens transported Mr Baghsarian to a semi-rural makeshift stronghold in Dural, on the city's outskirts.
Superintendent Marks said police would allege the 23-year-old was a major player
Detective chief inspector Andrew Marks said police would allege the 23-year-old facilitated and recruited others to help in the kidnapping and detention of Mr Baghsarian
Daniel Stevens, 24, has been charged with the innocent grandfather's kidnap and murder
Gerard Andrews, 29, was also charged - his defence lawyer told the media his client was not the mastermind of the incident
CCTV footage has since emerged of three men walking towards the alleged kidnappers' Wildthorn Avenue base in Dural on the night of the kidnapping.
The following day, on February 14, a blue Hyundai sedan was seen arriving at the same property before leaving shortly after 12pm.
Detectives believe these men could help with their investigations.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commander, Andrew Marks, said the case was akin to somebody's worst nightmare.
'These people need to be held to account for that and that's why we are bringing these people before the courts,' he said.
Police believe the intended target for the abduction was a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, who lived on the same street as Mr Baghsarian.
Detective Superintendent Marks suspected the intended target was to be kidnapped in the hope of a ransom fee being paid, and confirmed reports the figure demanded was $50million.
Mr Baghsarian's family, who described the harrowing ordeal of the kidnapping as a nightmare, expressed relief the alleged offenders had been caught.
Detectives shared CCTV images of three more men believed to be able to help with the investigation
The blue Hyundai sedan police believe was used in the kidnapping - it is missing a hubcap on the left-hand side
The intended target of the alleged $50 million kidnapping plot was the father of former criminal Dimitri Stepanyan (pictured) who lived three doors down
They have asked for privacy as they come to grips with the death of their devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather 'who would never hurt a fly'.
Anyone with information about the identity of the men in the CCTV or the driver of the blue car is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
