California authorities have arrested a group of scammers who, with the help of a man dressed as a bear, defrauded insurance companies of more than $140,000, state regulators say.
According to the California Department of Insurance, the suspects claimed that on January 28, 2024, a grizzly bear climbed into their 2010 Rolls Royce and damaged the interior of the vehicle. They provided their insurance company with a video recording that allegedly showed a bear in the car.
“Upon closer examination of the video, the investigation determined that the animal was actually a man dressed as a bear.” – says the statement.
A biologist with the local wildlife department came to a similar conclusion. After obtaining a search warrant, detectives found a bear costume at the suspects’ home. They also found meat grinding devices that were used as “bear claws.”
As part of the investigation, four people were arrested: Ruben Tamrazyan, Ararat Chirkinyan, Vahe Muradkhanyan AND Alfia Tsukerman. They are charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy.
As noted, as a result of the alleged fraud committed by the suspects, insurance companies were defrauded of 141 thousand dollars, RIA Novosti clarifies.
