Four Charged in Bear Attack Insurance Fraud

Four Californians have been charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy for allegedly staging bear attacks on luxury cars using a bear costume. The suspects, Ruben Tamrazian, Ararat Chirkinian, Vahe Muradkhanyan, and Alfiya Zuckerman, submitted videos to insurers claiming a bear had damaged a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes vehicles, resulting in claims amounting to over $140,000. Investigators, suspicious of the bear's movements in the footage, consulted a biologist who confirmed it was a person in a costume. A search of the suspects' home led to the discovery of a bear suit and claw-like tools that matched the damage on the cars. This elaborate scheme, dubbed 'Operation Bear Claw,' highlights the increasing issue of staged animal-related insurance claims in areas with active wildlife. The suspects were arrested following the discovery, and the insurance companies are seeking restitution for the fraudulent claims.