In a bizarre twist of events, four individuals have been arrested in Southern California for allegedly staging a series of fraudulent insurance claims by using a bear costume to damage luxury vehicles. The California Department of Insurance has revealed that this unusual scheme aimed to defraud insurance companies out of approximately $141,839.
The suspects—Ruben Tamrazian, 26, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, all from Glendale, and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, from Valley Village—are accused of claiming that a bear had broken into their high-end vehicles, including a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost and two Mercedes-Benz models. The incidents reportedly took place on January 28, 2024, in Lake Arrowhead, a popular resort area northeast of Los Angeles.
In an attempt to substantiate their claims, the group submitted video footage to their insurance companies showing what appeared to be a bear rummaging through the luxurious interiors of their cars. However, upon investigation, it became clear that the “bear” was actually a person dressed in a bear costume wielding a kitchen tool designed for shredding meat.
“Upon further scrutiny of the video evidence, our investigation determined that the so-called bear was indeed a human in costume,” stated the California Department of Insurance. This revelation prompted an investigation dubbed “Operation Bear Claw,” which uncovered additional fraudulent claims linked to the same group.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had filed multiple claims with different insurance companies for similar incidents involving the same date and location. To confirm their findings, detectives enlisted the expertise of a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who verified that the footage clearly depicted a person in a bear suit.
Following the execution of search warrants at their residences, investigators discovered the bear costume and accompanying props used in the staged attacks. The suspects now face serious charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara emphasized the importance of vigilance against such fraudulent schemes. “This case serves as a reminder that insurance fraud not only affects companies but also impacts law-abiding policyholders,” he stated.
As this case unfolds, it highlights the lengths some individuals will go to exploit insurance systems for financial gain. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting this case.
Read more:
