Insurance Fraud Scandal: Four Arrested for Staging Fake Bear Attacks
Four people from Los Angeles County are facing insurance fraud and conspiracy charges after staging fake bear attacks with a bear costume, the Department of Insurance announced Wednesday.
The Investigation
Initially, the suspects – Ruben Tamrazian, 26, of Glendale, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, of Glendale, Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, of Glendale, and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, of Valley Village – had requested insurance payout for their car, a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, after claiming a bear had entered the car and caused interior damage to the vehicle in Lake Arrowhead on January 28.
However, the insurance company suspected fraud after reviewing security camera footage.
The Plot Unfolds
“Upon further scrutiny of the video, the investigation determined the bear was actually a person in a bear costume,” the Department of Insurance said in a statement.
As authorities joined the investigation, they learned there were two other similar claims filed with two different insurance companies on the same date and the same location.
The Fake Bear Strikes Again
In the other claims involving a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350, the fake bear also entered the cars to leave behind damage.
The same video footage was also submitted as evidence in the other claims.
Exposing the Fraud
To prove that it was actually not a bear damaging the three cars in the video, a biologist from the Department of Fish and Wildlife was brought in to review the footage.
“They also opined it was clearly a human in a bear suit,” the insurance agency said.
When detectives searched the suspects’ homes, they found a bear costume.
The Consequences
The suspects allegedly defrauded $141,839 from the insurance companies.
Conclusion
The Department of Insurance has sent a strong message that insurance fraud will not be tolerated. The suspects’ actions have caused financial harm to the insurance companies and may have also put innocent people in danger. It is essential for individuals to report any suspicious activity and to cooperate with investigations to prevent and combat insurance fraud.
FAQs
Q: How did the suspects stage the fake bear attacks?
A: The suspects used a bear costume to stage the fake bear attacks.
Q: How much did the suspects allegedly defraud from the insurance companies?
A: The suspects allegedly defrauded $141,839 from the insurance companies.
Q: What was the role of the biologist in the investigation?
A: A biologist from the Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed the security camera footage to determine whether the damage was caused by a bear or a human in a bear suit.
Q: What are the consequences for the suspects?
A: The suspects are facing insurance fraud and conspiracy charges.
