California authorities arrested four people in Los Angeles accused of organizing insurance fraud by simulating bear attacks on luxury cars using a disguise. The investigation, known as “Operation Bear Claw,” revealed that the suspects claimed a total of USD 141,839 in damages through three different insurers, according to officials with the California Department of Insurance. The arrests include Ruben Tamrazian26 years old, Ararat Chirkinian39, Gap Muradkhanyan32, all residents of Glendaley Alfiya Zuckermanof 39, of Valley Villagewho face charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy, according to the NBC Los Angeles.
The series of events began on January 28, 2024, when the suspects submitted three separate claims to various insurers, arguing that a very had entered their vehicles in the mountainous area of Lake Arrowheadin the county of San Bernardinoand caused internal damage. The claims included evidence in video in which the bear was supposedly observed entering cars and causing damage to the interiors, reported the CBS News. According to the California Department of Insurancethe vehicles involved were a Rolls Royce Ghost of 2010, a Mercedes G63 AMG of 2015 and a Mercedes E350 of 2022.
Insurers began to suspect the authenticity of the claims when they noticed certain coincidences between the videos and the reports presented. The three security clips showed the same exterior environment and similar damage marks on the seating y door panels of vehicles. In addition, inspection of the images revealed inconsistencies in the behavior of the alleged animal, he indicated. CBS News. As the case progressed, the Insurance Department involved a biologist of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who concluded that the “bear” figure was actually a persona Wearing a costume, he explained the San Francisco Chronicle.
The intervention of biologist was key to supporting the fraud theory. After carefully analyzing the images, the specialist in wildlife determined that the posture and movements of the alleged bear were unusual and did not match the typical behavior of a wild animal. This analysis was presented as evidence to the authorities, who confirmed that the claims were fabricated, according to NBC Los Angeles. According to investigation sources, in the videos a figure in a bear suit is observed making strange movements and visible errors in the performance of the “animal” that, according to the expert, clearly reflected the intervention of a human.
He California Department of Insurance requested a search warrant for the suspects’ residences in Glendale y Valley Village. During the search, authorities found a bear costume and a pair of “meat claws”which would have been used to imitate scratch marks on vehicles. The evidence found at the home was recorded as evidence to confirm the fraudulent activities of those involved. The NBC Los Angeles reported that, so far, it has not been confirmed which of the four detainees had used the costume for the videos of the simulated attacks.
The suspects’ strategy included the presentation of the same video in all three complaints, which made it easier for the insurers They will notice the fraudulent scheme. According to CBS Newsthe images showed a common outdoor environment in the three claims, in which the “bear” can be seen interacting with the vehicles in an unconvincing manner. This detail was fundamental in the opening of the “Operation Bear Claw” investigation, where the Department of Insurance coordinated with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and other agencies in the region to gather additional evidence.
The NBC Los Angeles reported that the amount defrauded, estimated at USD 141,839corresponds to the compensation requested for the damage to the three vehicles. After analyzing the videos, the insurance companies collaborated in the investigation to dismantle the scheme and avoid payments for claims that were ultimately determined to be fraudulent, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Charges against the four suspects include insurance fraud and conspiracy to defraud multiple insurers by tampering with visual evidence and using disguises.
The Insurance Department also noted that the damage observed on the vehicles consisted of superficial scratches on the door panels and seats, marks that would have been intentionally produced to simulate bear behavior. According to the analysis of the images and the expertise on the vehicles, the lack of depth in the damage and its consistency in the three cars were key factors in alerting the insurance companies, according to CBS News.
Finally, authorities indicated that “Operation Bear Claw” remains ongoing while investigators examine whether there are other possible incidents or claims related to the detained group. The involvement of the Department of Insurance, along with local law enforcement, was instrumental in uncovering the fraud and preventing improper payments. So far, the suspects are awaiting their first court appearance in Los Angeleswhere the possible sentence for each of those involved will be determined, according to NBC Los Angeles.
