Authorities in California have made a significant arrest after uncovering a fraudulent scheme involving staged bear attacks for insurance payouts. The group of individuals from Los Angeles County allegedly orchestrated these fake bear attacks by using a costume to deceive their car insurance providers.
The investigation, known as “Operation Bear Claw,” revealed that three out of the four suspects filed similar insurance claims following incidents where a bear supposedly vandalized the interior of their vehicles in Lake Arrowhead, a mountain community in San Bernardino County. The California Department of Insurance initiated the investigation after suspicions of fraud arose when multiple claims were submitted for the same location on January 28, 2024.
The claimants submitted video evidence to their insurance companies, purportedly showing a bear causing damage inside their cars. However, upon closer examination, investigators discovered that the bear in the videos was actually a person disguised in a bear costume. To confirm their findings, a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed the footage and confirmed that it was indeed a human wearing a bear suit.
Evidence provided by insurance investigators showed superficial scratch marks on the seats and door panels of the vehicles. The fraudulent claims totaled a staggering $141,839 and were made for luxury cars such as a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG, and a 2022 Mercedes E350.
The four suspects, identified as Ruben Tamrazian, Ararat Chirkinian, Vahe Muradkhanyan, and Alfiya Zuckerman, all residents of Glendale and Valley Village, were apprehended with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies. They have been charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy in connection to these staged bear attacks.
This elaborate scheme not only defrauded insurance companies but also raised concerns about the lengths individuals will go to for financial gain. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing insurance fraud, ultimately protecting both insurers and policyholders from fraudulent activities.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities or claims to prevent similar fraudulent schemes in the future. Stay informed and stay vigilant to help combat insurance fraud in your community.
