Sydney Man Rescued After Street Kidnapping; Mistaken Identity Suspected

A 53-year-old man was kidnapped from a Sydney street but was later found safe. Police are investigating if he was targeted by mistake.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

A 53-year-old man was taken from a Sydney street in a startling incident captured on video. He was later found alive, reportedly unharmed, and taken to a hospital. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the abduction was a case of mistaken identity, possibly linked to ongoing disputes. This event follows another kidnapping that recently occurred in the same city.

Terrifying moment victim is snatched off the street in the second kidnapping to rock Sydney in a matter of days - 1

Background of the Incident

On Thursday, two men appeared in court accused in the death of a Mr. Baghsarian. Hours later, the 53-year-old victim of the street kidnapping was discovered by authorities. The discovery took place at a property in Dural, located in the northwestern part of Sydney.

Terrifying moment victim is snatched off the street in the second kidnapping to rock Sydney in a matter of days - 2

  • Discovery: The victim was found alive on Thursday morning.

  • Victim's Condition: He was taken to a hospital and reported to be in stable condition.

  • Alleged Motive: Reports suggest the man was taken for ransom.

  • Mistaken Identity: Investigators believe the abduction may have been a result of mistaken identity.

The Abduction as Seen on Footage

Security camera footage documented the alarming event. The video showed the 53-year-old man struggling with a group of individuals.

Terrifying moment victim is snatched off the street in the second kidnapping to rock Sydney in a matter of days - 3

  • Struggle: The victim was seen attempting to resist his attackers.

  • Forced Entry: He was then put into a vehicle.

Wider Context of Recent Incidents

This Sydney kidnapping is not an isolated event, with reports of similar incidents occurring recently.

Read More: Windsor Man Arrested at Victim's Home 1 Hour After Jail Release for Probation Breach

Terrifying moment victim is snatched off the street in the second kidnapping to rock Sydney in a matter of days - 4

  • Other Sydney Case: Another kidnapping had shaken Sydney in the days prior to this incident.

  • International Incidents: Similar alarming videos of attempted abductions have surfaced in other locations, including Florida and Brooklyn, New York, though these appear to be separate events with different circumstances and timelines.

    LocationDate of IncidentNature of IncidentOutcome for VictimOutcome for Suspect(s)
    SydneyRecentStreet kidnappingRescued, stableUnknown
    St. Augustine, FLJune 29, 2025Attempted abductionEscapedIn custody
    Brooklyn, NYFriday, April 21, 2023Street abductionUnknownUnknown

Potential Connections and Ongoing Investigations

The Sydney Police are investigating the motives behind the kidnapping.

  • Ransom: The possibility of a ransom demand is being examined.

  • Mistaken Identity: The theory that the victim was wrongly targeted is a key focus.

  • "Tobacco Wars": Some reports hint at a possible link to ongoing disputes, described by some as "tobacco wars." This suggests potential rivalries or criminal activities may be a factor.

Conclusion

The rescue of the 53-year-old Sydney man marks a critical development in an ongoing investigation. While the victim is safe, the alleged motive of mistaken identity and the suggested links to broader criminal disputes indicate that further inquiry is necessary. The investigation will likely focus on identifying all individuals involved in the abduction and clarifying the sequence of events that led to the victim being targeted.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the 53-year-old man in Sydney on Thursday?
A 53-year-old man was kidnapped from a street in Sydney on Thursday. He was later found safe and unharmed at a property in Dural and taken to a hospital.
Q: Why do police think the Sydney man was kidnapped?
Investigators are looking into the possibility that the man was a victim of mistaken identity. There are also reports that the abduction might be linked to ongoing disputes, sometimes called 'tobacco wars,' and possibly for ransom.
Q: How was the Sydney kidnapping discovered?
Security camera footage showed the man struggling with a group before being forced into a vehicle. Police found him alive on Thursday morning at a property in Dural, a northwestern Sydney suburb.
Q: Is this kidnapping in Sydney related to other recent incidents?
This kidnapping happened hours after two men appeared in court for another death in Sydney. While similar incidents have been reported in Florida and New York, those appear to be separate events.
Q: What is the condition of the rescued Sydney man?
The 53-year-old man was found alive and reported to be in stable condition. He was taken to a hospital for care after his rescue.