Trio Sentenced in Fake Bear Attack Insurance Scam

Suspects used a bear costume to damage luxury cars and file fraudulent claims.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:21pm

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An extreme close-up of a fake bear claw, the harsh lighting and black background creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of this insurance fraud case.A staged 'bear attack' on a luxury vehicle was part of an elaborate insurance fraud scheme uncovered by California investigators.Los Angeles Today

Three people were sentenced to 180 days in jail for an insurance fraud scheme that involved wearing a bear costume to damage luxury cars and file false claims. A fourth suspect is awaiting trial in the case, which authorities have dubbed 'Operation Bear Claw'.

Why it matters

Insurance fraud drives up costs for consumers, and this case highlights the lengths some will go to commit these crimes. It also shows the diligence of investigators in uncovering even the most outlandish schemes.

The details

Alfiya Zuckerman, Ruben Tamrazian and Vahe Muradkhanyan all pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud charges. They submitted videos to three different insurance companies showing a 'bear' damaging a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost, a 2015 Mercedes G63, and a 2022 Mercedes E350. However, investigators noticed the 'bear' was moving more like a human than an actual bear. A biologist confirmed the 'bear' was clearly a person in a costume, and officials noted brown bears have not been seen in California since the 1920s.

  • The fake bear attacks were reported to have occurred on the same day.
  • The suspects were sentenced on Thursday, April 18, 2026.
  • A fourth suspect, Ararat Chirkinian, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 2026.

The players

Alfiya Zuckerman

One of three people sentenced to 180 days in jail for the insurance fraud scheme.

Ruben Tamrazian

One of three people sentenced to 180 days in jail for the insurance fraud scheme.

Vahe Muradkhanyan

One of three people sentenced to 180 days in jail for the insurance fraud scheme.

Ararat Chirkinian

The fourth suspect involved in the scheme, who has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 2026.

Ricardo Lara

The commissioner of California's Department of Insurance, who commented on the case.

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What they’re saying

“What may have looked unbelievable turned out to be exactly that.”

— Ricardo Lara, Commissioner, California Department of Insurance

“Insurance fraud is a serious crime that drives up costs for consumers, and no scheme is too outrageous for us to investigate.”

— Ricardo Lara, Commissioner, California Department of Insurance

“It's definitely out of the ordinary. I don't think we saw anything to that extent in the past where they got a bear suit. It's unique.”

— Eric Hood, Captain, California Department of Insurance

What’s next

The fourth suspect, Ararat Chirkinian, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lengths some will go to commit insurance fraud, and the diligence of investigators in uncovering even the most outlandish schemes. It serves as a reminder that insurance fraud drives up costs for all consumers, and authorities will pursue these crimes aggressively.