Family of Alameddine-linked clothing brand founder was intended abduction target

Kidnappers who mistakenly abducted an elderly man from his home were believed to be targeting a relative of a Sydney businessman who claims to be the driving force behind a clothing brand linked to the Alameddine crime family.

Detectives believe Chris Baghsarian’s kidnappers were instead targeting a relative of Dimitri Stepanyan, 37, a convicted armed robber and founder of Proper Streetwear, who lives near the 85-year-old.

Baghsarian was kidnapped from his North Ryde home by a group of masked men about 5am on February 13 in what police say was a case of mistaken identity.

Baghsarian, a grandfather and widower, lived alone, and police have repeatedly said he and his family have no links to organised crime.

Stepanyan’s website describes him as a “Sydney-based entrepreneur and the creative force behind Proper Streetwear”.

“Known for his bold vision and relentless drive, he has built a reputation as a trendsetter in both fashion and business,” the website says.

Proper Streetwear has long been worn by alleged members of the Alameddine network, including rapper Ay Huncho, whose real name is Ali Younes. Younes often wears the brand’s products in music videos and social media posts. The phrase “never cross the family” – an alleged reference to the Alameddine family – appears on several Proper Streetwear clothing items and features on Younes’ personal jewellery.

A police diagram setting out the alleged major players in the Alameddine organised crime network, including Younes, was tendered as an exhibit in a Supreme Court murder trial in August.

Detectives working under Strike Force Chobat have been investigating links between Baghsarian’s kidnapping and the Alameddine crime network since shortly after the 85-year-old was abducted.

Stepanyan was released from jail in October 2016 after serving seven years of a 10-year sentence for armed robbery after being found guilty of his role in stealing more than $25,000 in an armed robbery at the Forestville RSL Club in 2009.

In a rehearsal during which they “cased the premises”, he and a co-accused signed in, using their real names. A guard known to the pair agreed to be shot as part of an inside job. It was never established who fired the weapon.

Stepanyan has a “significant” criminal record and had drug, alcohol and gambling addictions, according to one published judgment.

Messages published by SCN Worldstar purportedly between the kidnappers and Stepanyan show Baghsarian’s captors demanding a $50 million ransom.

Stepanyan has directed several private companies, according to records held by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

The Herald has contacted Stepanyan for comment. He is not accused of any involvement in Baghsarian’s kidnapping.

Dozens of police on Monday afternoon continued a large-scale search of dense bushland at Glenorie, on Sydney’s north-west fringe after reports a burnt-out car linked to Baghsarian’s kidnapping was seen in the area.

Marks has said hopes were fading of finding Baghsarian alive. The 85-year-old requires daily medical treatment.

No ransom demands have been made to Baghsarian’s family, who last week said the 85-year-old was deeply loved and a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather.

Investigators are yet to identify any suspects believed to be involved in Baghsarian’s abduction, Marks said. Detectives have expanded their appeal to members of the criminal underworld to locate Baghsarian.

Police have not linked the kidnapping to the current conflict between the Alameddine network and rivals the Coconut Cartel.

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