Auto Dismantler Arrested for Auto Insurance Fraud

Following a six-month investigation by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Organized Automobile Fraud Interdiction Task Force, a former Sacramento auto dismantler was arrested on four felony counts of insurance fraud and two felony counts of perjury.

Samvel Saakyan, 27, was arrested at his residence and booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000. If convicted, Saakyan could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000. The Sacramento District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

According to investigators, in February of 2000, Saakyan ALLEGEDLY purchased a wrecked 1997 Lexus from his wife (owner of Sam’s Auto Dismantler), and repaired the Lexus himself in 30 days.

It is further alleged that in May 2000, Saakyan insured the Lexus with North Pointe Insurance Company, and on June 29, 2000, reported the Lexus stolen, filing a claim with North Pointe Insurance for the theft valued at $27,000.

North Pointe Insurance denied Saakyan’s claim based on the degree of damage to the Lexus prior to his purchase and referred the claim as Suspected Fraudulent Claim to CDI’s Criminal Investigation Branch.

In a November 2000 examination under oath, Saakyan allegedly stated he repaired the Lexus, had it inspected in Los Angeles while vacationing and registered the Lexus at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Folsom before the theft.

Investigators learned that the mileage recorded on the Lexus repair, inspection and registration documents did not correspond to Saakyan’s alleged travels. Investigators also contacted individuals connected with the repair and inspection of the vehicle. These individuals informed investigators that Saakyan’s vehicle was never repaired or inspected.