Authorities in California have uncovered an elaborate insurance fraud scheme involving four Los Angeles residents who allegedly used a life-sized bear costume to stage vehicle damage and file fraudulent claims worth over $140,000.
The suspects—Ruben Tamrazian, 26; Ararat Chirkinian, 39; Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32; and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39—are facing charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy, according to an announcement by the California Department of Insurance.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Bear Claw, began earlier this year after an insurance company grew suspicious of a claim involving a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost. The suspects alleged that a bear had entered the parked vehicle in Lake Arrowhead, a region known for black bears, and caused extensive interior damage. They even provided video evidence of a bear-like figure inside the car.
However, upon closer inspection, investigators determined that the "bear" was a person in a costume. A wildlife biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed the footage and confirmed that it was not a real bear.
Detectives soon discovered two additional fraudulent claims linked to the same suspects, involving a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350.
After executing a search warrant, authorities found the bear costume—complete with a furry head, paws, and metal claw tools—at the suspects’ residence.
The case has been referred to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, with charges still under review.
