Four individuals from Southern California were arrested and charged with insurance fraud after claiming that their cars were damaged by a bear, which was later determined to be a person in a bear costume. The group submitted claims for damage to a 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG, and a 2022 Mercedes E350, all allegedly caused by a bear. Video evidence was provided but upon closer examination, it was evident that someone was wearing a bear suit.
The suspects, identified as Ruben Tamrazian, Ararat Chirkinian, Vahe Muradkhanyan, and Alfiya Zuckerman, were arrested on charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy. The scam cost insurance companies $141,839. The bear costume used in the scheme was recovered from the suspects’ home and showed signs of being used to simulate claw marks on the cars.
Investigations revealed that the alleged bear was actually a person in a bear suit and a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed this. Although bears do exist in the area, they do not wear costumes and are not responsible for the damage claimed by the group.
The charges against the four individuals are currently under review by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. It is unclear if the suspects have legal representation at this time. The incident highlights the lengths to which some individuals may go to commit fraud and defraud insurance companies.
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