Three Convicted in Bizarre California Insurance Fraud Involving Bear Costume and Luxury Cars
Los Angeles area residents have been convicted following an unusual insurance fraud scheme that involved staging fake attacks on luxury vehicles using a person dressed in a bear costume. The California Department of Insurance investigation, known as “Operation Bear Claw,” uncovered the elaborate scam after an insurance company flagged a suspicious claim.
The scheme involved defendants submitting fraudulent claims for damage allegedly caused by a bear to high-end cars, including a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG, and a 2022 Mercedes E350. Claimants supported their reports with video footage that purportedly showed a bear causing damage. However, investigators determined the “bear” was actually a person in a costume.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara stated, “What may have looked unbelievable turned out to be exactly that — and now those responsible are being held accountable. Insurance fraud is a serious crime that drives up costs for consumers, and no scheme is too outrageous for us to investigate.”
The investigation began after the initial claim related to a January 28, 2024, incident in Lake Arrowhead raised suspicions. A biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the animal in the footage was a human in a bear suit. A search warrant led to the recovery of the costume at the suspects’ residence.
Sentencing outcomes include:
- Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, Valley Village:Pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud (injuring or destroying insured property). Sentenced to 180 days in jail (weekend program), two years supervised probation, and ordered to pay $55,360 in restitution.
- Ruben Tamrazian, 26, Glendale:Pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud (injuring or destroying insured property). Sentenced to 180 days in jail (weekend program), two years supervised probation, and ordered to pay $52,268 in restitution.
- Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32, Glendale:Pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud (presenting a false insurance claim). Sentenced to 180 days in jail (weekend program), two years supervised probation, with restitution to be determined.
- Ararat Chirkinian, 39, Glendale:Scheduled for a preliminary hearing in September 2026.
The total loss to insurance companies from the fraudulent claims was $141,839. The case highlights the vigilance of California
