Los Angeles, CA — Four individuals from the Los Angeles area have been arrested in connection with an elaborate insurance scam involving a life-sized bear costume used to stage fake attacks on luxury vehicles, according to the California Department of Insurance.
The suspects — Ruben Tamrazian, 26; Ararat Chirkinian, 39; Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32; and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39 — face charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy after allegedly defrauding three insurance companies of $141,839.
Deck The Halls With These Holiday Specials!
Operation Bear Claw
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Bear Claw,” began earlier this year after an insurance company questioned a claim involving a bear allegedly damaging a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost parked in Lake Arrowhead, a region in the San Bernardino Mountains known for its black bear population.
The suspects provided video footage to support their claim, showing what appeared to be a bear entering the luxury vehicle, scratching the leather seats and interior. However, closer scrutiny of the footage revealed the “bear” was a human in a costume.
Disney’s “Moana 2” Reigns Supreme at the Box Office: Get Your Merch Here!
Additional Fraudulent Claims
Further investigation uncovered two additional fraudulent claims made by the same suspects on the same date and location, involving a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350. Each claim followed a similar pattern, with video footage depicting a supposed bear causing interior damage to the vehicles.
To confirm their suspicions, detectives enlisted a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to review the videos. The expert concluded that the figure in the footage was unmistakably a human in a bear suit.
Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Evidence Uncovered
Detectives executed a search warrant and discovered the bear costume at the suspects’ residence. The costume included a snouted head, paws, and metal tools shaped like claws, which authorities believe were used to create the fake scratch marks.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife noted that black bears, the only wild bears in the state, can appear in various shades, including brown and tan. However, the light brown fur of the costume did not align with any natural bear species in the region.
Top 8 Must-Have Gaming Deals You Can’t Miss!
Legal Proceedings
The Glendale Police Department and the California Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation. The case has been referred to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
“The case is currently under review for a filing determination,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement. Once a decision is made, court dates and appearances will be scheduled.
Impact of the Scam
This unusual scam highlights the lengths some individuals will go to defraud insurance companies. “This case demonstrates the critical role of vigilant investigation and collaboration between law enforcement and specialized departments,” the California Department of Insurance said in a statement.
The suspects could face significant legal consequences if convicted. Meanwhile, the bear costume remains in evidence — a peculiar reminder of this failed attempt at insurance fraud.
