NSW Police have formally confirmed that human remains discovered near a golf course in Sydney’s north‑west belong to murdered grandfather Chris Baghsarian.

The development brings to an end the 12‑day search for the 85‑year‑old, who was abducted from his North Ryde home in a case of mistaken identity.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks said forensic testing had now verified the remains located at Pitt Town on Tuesday.

“We can now confirm the remains located yesterday were in fact Mr Baghsarian — we have done this through forensic testing,” he said.

Marks said the confirmation had devastated the family.

“While the family of Mr Baghsarian welcome the news of the arrests, they’re still devastated by the loss of their father and grandfather,” he said.

The breakthrough came as police arrested two men — aged 29 and 24 — during coordinated raids at Kenthurst and Castle Hill.

“Police attached to the strike force executed three search warrants and made two arrests in connection with the murder and kidnapping of Mr Baghsarian,” Marks said.

“A 29‑year‑old from Kenthurst and a 24‑year‑old from Castle Hill were arrested and are currently at Riverstone Police Station. They are still being processed and we expect they will be charged with the murder and kidnapping of Mr Baghsarian.”

Police allege the pair “participated in a joint criminal enterprise” to kidnap the grandfather, who was then held hostage at a property where he ultimately died.

“I wish to stress that Mr Baghsarian was not the intended target of the kidnapping,” Marks said.

Detectives seized electronic devices, clothing and other items from the Kenthurst and Castle Hill homes, along with two additional devices from a Lake Macquarie address.

Marks thanked investigators for their work and vowed to pursue every person involved in what he described as a “horrible, horrible matter”.