The alleged ring-leader of the kidnapping and murder of grandfather Chris Baghsarian has been charged.
Chris Baghsarian went missing from his North Ryde home earlier this year in what police say was a case of mistaken identity.
Emergency services were called just after 5am on February 13 following reports the 85-year-old had been abducted from the property.
Officers from Ryde Police Area Command responded before detectives from State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad launched a coordinated investigation under Strike Force Chabot.
Police allege Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping.
His remains were later located about 8am on February 24, near a golf club in Pitt Town, in Sydney’s north-west.
Seven people have previously been charged in relation to Mr Baghsarian’s kidnapping and death.
On Tuesday morning, police confirmed the arrest of a 32-year-old man they believe coordinated the kidnapping and murder of Mr Baghsarian.
The man was arrested on February 23 as part of an unrelated investigation, which remains before the courts.
On July 8, he was arrested in Lithgow after detectives uncovered evidence which indicated he was charged with murder and charges relating to kidnapping for ransom.
He was remanded in custody and expected to appear in court on July 17.
Three other men have been charged in relation to Mr Baghsarian’s kidnap and murder.
A 22-year-old was arrested on July 9, and a 21-year-old and 19-year-old were both arrested on July 13.
The 22-year-old was charged with kidnap and murder and remanded in custody until July 17.
The 21-year-old was charged with accessory before the fact in relation to kidnapping and murder, as well as drug possession. He appeared in court on Monday.
The 19-year-old was charged with accessory before the fact in relation to kidnapping and murder, and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
Investigations into Mr Baghsarian’s alleged kidnap and murder, and police say they are working to identify “the alleged offshore offenders” behind the crime.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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