LOS ANGELES, CA – Four Los Angeles-area residents have been arrested in connection with an elaborate insurance fraud scheme in which they allegedly claimed that high-end vehicles were damaged by a bear—only for investigators to determine that the “bear” was a person in a costume.
Ruben Tamrazian, 26; Ararat Chirkinian, 39; and Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, all of Glendale, along with Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, of Valley Village, face charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy, according to the California Department of Insurance (DOI).
The suspects allegedly submitted insurance claims stating that a bear had entered a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost in Lake Arrowhead and caused extensive interior damage. As evidence, they provided video footage purportedly capturing the incident.
“Upon further scrutiny of the video, the investigation determined the bear was actually a person in a bear costume,” the DOI said in a statement.
Investigators also discovered that the group had submitted similar claims for damage to two additional vehicles—a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350—on the same day and at the same location. Video evidence was again provided to support these claims.
To ensure the authenticity of their findings, the DOI consulted a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The expert confirmed that the footage showed a human in a bear suit, not an actual bear. Detectives later found the costume during a search of the suspects’ home.
The alleged scheme resulted in insurance losses of $141,839.
Tamrazian, Chirkinian, and Muradkhanyan were arrested Wednesday, with bail set at $85,000 for Tamrazian and $30,000 each for Chirkinian and Muradkhanyan. Information regarding Zuckerman’s arrest was not immediately available.
The case underscores the lengths to which individuals may go in orchestrating fraudulent schemes. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of insurance fraud, which leads to increased costs for consumers.
“This kind of scheme is not only illegal but undermines the trust in our insurance system,” the DOI stated. “We will continue to work diligently to hold individuals accountable for these acts.”
The suspects are expected to face court hearings in the coming weeks as the investigation continues.
