ICYMI: The Bear Necessities of (Criminal) Life? Fake Bear Costume Used in California Con!
Four Californians are accused of faking luxury car damage with a bear costume, but investigators weren’t fooled by their wild scheme. đ #News #LosAngelesCA #California #Crime
LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities in California have charged four individuals with insurance fraud and conspiracy after they allegedly used a bear costume to fake damage to luxury vehicles. The group reportedly staged the incidents to claim over $141,000 from multiple insurance companies, officials said.
The Unbearable Details of the Alleged Scam
The California Department of Insurance began investigating after an insurance company flagged a suspicious claim from January 28 in Lake Arrowhead. The suspects, identified as Ruben Tamrazian, 26, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, claimed a bear had damaged a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost. Video footage provided to the company appeared to show a bear rummaging through the vehicle.
However, investigators quickly discovered inconsistencies in the footage. “Upon further scrutiny of the video, the investigation determined the bear was actually a person in a bear costume,” the department revealed in a statement.
As the investigation expanded, officials uncovered two additional claims for the same date and location involving a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350. The suspects allegedly submitted similar footage to two other insurance companies, claiming the vehicles were also damaged by a bear.
Investigators Unmask the Costume Culprit
The Department of Insurance enlisted a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to analyze the videos. The biologist concluded, âit was clearly a human in a bear suit,â officials said. A search warrant executed at the suspectsâ residence confirmed suspicions when investigators found the bear costume used in the alleged scheme.
The fraud attempt targeted multiple insurance companies, and the suspects collectively claimed $141,839 in damages. All four individuals have been charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy, according to the Department of Insurance.
The Cost of Fraud
The bizarre case highlights the extremes some individuals will go to for financial gain. If convicted, the suspects could face significant legal consequences. Insurance fraud is a serious crime, carrying penalties that include fines and potential jail time.
While the alleged plan may seem absurd, it underscores the vigilance of investigators in uncovering fraud, no matter how creative the attempt.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
