Three Sentenced For Luxury Car Insurance Scam Involving Person Wearing Bear Suit

A scam involving a personification successful a carnivore costume causing harm to luxury cars successful California has resulted successful 3 group facing sentencing for insurance fraud.

In 2024, 3 group — Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, Ruben Tamrazian, 26, and Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32 — staged carnivore attacks wrong a Rolls-Royce and 2 Mercedes vehicles, according to nan California Insurance Department. The group past revenge fraudulent security claims seeking $142,000 to screen nan damages, claiming nan animal had damaged their vehicles.

A 4th individual, Ararat Chirkinian, 39, was allegedly progressive successful nan strategy and will spell to tribunal successful September, according to ABC News.

The CID dubbed its investigation "Operation Bear Claw."

“What whitethorn person looked unbelievable turned retired to beryllium precisely that — and now those responsible are being held accountable,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.

The group apparently hoped to person security companies that an existent carnivore had gotten into nan vehicles and caused nan damage, nan section said. They submitted videos of nan attacks successful which nan vehicles are parked successful nan San Bernardino Mountains.

Photos taken from nan submitted claims show scratches connected nan cars' seats and doors.

The footage was reviewed by a biologist pinch nan California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They concluded that nan footage was "clearly a quality successful a carnivore suit," according to nan CID.

Detectives obtained a hunt warrant for nan trio's homes and discovered a carnivore costume astatine 1 of nan residences, according to nan CID. All 4 were initially arrested successful 2024, according to a property merchandise from nan department.

Zuckerman, Tamrazian and Muradkhanyan each pleaded nary title to felony insurance fraud and were each sentenced to 180 days successful jail.

Zuckerman was ordered to salary $55,360 successful restitution, and Tamrazian was ordered to salary $52,268. A ruling connected Muradkhanyan's restitution is still being determined.

There are documented instances of bears breaking into homes and cars looking for food, and carnivore incursions into populated areas person go a increasing problem successful California.