Four California residents were arrested on Nov. 13, 2024, after stating a “bear” allegedly destroyed three luxury cars when it was apparently the residents dressed in a bear suit.

The California Insurance Department stated that “Operation Bear Claw” defrauded three insurance companies of nearly $142,000 by claiming that a “bear” had caused damage to their vehicles. Suspects Ruben Tamrazian, 26; Ararat Chirkinian, 39; Vahe Muradkhanyan, 32; and Alfiya Zuckerman, 39, each face potential charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy.

Saint Paul’s senior Braden Arlt was surprised to learn that this article was not a satire story. “Destroying three luxury cars for $140,000 is a crazy idea. Especially using the same bear idea three times is beyond idiotic,” said Arlt.

Video footage reveals a “bear” breaking into a car and engaging in mischievous activities. Upon closer inspection, you can see the “bear” opening the door handle and shaking the car. The “bear’s” movements inside the vehicle appear peculiar and inconsistent with those of an actual bear. Photos show scratch marks over the car’s interior, making the scenario initially convincing.

https://www.tmz.com/watch/2024-11-14-111424-bear-car-1929044-210/

^ Footage link of Bear fraud, per TMZ

However, one of the photos raised a red flag for investigators: the claw marks showed six scratches, while bears only have five claws. This discrepancy, combined with the lack of a typical bear’s destructive mess, contributed to the insurance company’s decision to investigate further.

“The fact that these people looked at the tool they used and thought, yes, this is exactly like a bear’s paw, highlights how far our world has advanced in absurdity,” said Saint Paul’s senior Connor O’Quinn.

Investigators later discovered two additional claims with similar patterns. The other cars involved were a 2015 Mercedes G63 AMG and a 2022 Mercedes E350. Using their instincts and expertise, investigators linked these claims to the first, uncovering the truth behind the fabricated incidents.

With growing doubts that a real bear was responsible, investigators reexamined the video footage. Shockingly, “upon further scrutiny of the video, the investigation determined the bear was actually a person in a bear costume,” the department said in a news release.

This theory was confirmed by a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who verified that the supposed “bear” was clearly a human in a bear suit. When the truth came to light, the four suspects were detained. During a search of their residence, investigators found the bear costume along with a meat shredder claw used to create the scratch marks.

The three male suspects remain in custody, while Ms. Zuckerman was released with a bond set at $50,000, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office stated. The case is currently under review for filing determination—essentially, the decision to charge the suspects with a crime. Once that decision is made, court dates and appearances will be scheduled.

This case highlights the lengths some individuals will go to commit fraud, using creative but ultimately flawed methods to deceive insurance companies.

While the idea of a “bear attack” might initially seem convincing, inconsistencies such as the six claw marks and suspicious behavior in the video ultimately unraveled the scheme. The suspects’ attempt to exploit a fabricated narrative underscores the importance of thorough investigations and collaboration with experts. As amusing as the details may seem, this incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of insurance fraud and the vigilance required to uncover such deception.

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