View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines/mag-fraud/2003/07/07/30547.htm
The CDI and the Los Angeles County Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force arrested 14 people who are suspected of defrauding three insurance carriers in a criminal conspiracy. The suspects allegedly sold insurance policies to uninsured motorists and backdated them to cover prior traffic collisions.
The defendants have been charged with 105 felony counts, including insurance fraud and conspiracy. Combined total loss to the insurance carriers exceeds $332,177 and if convicted, the defendants would face up to five years in prison and could pay restitution.
The suspects include: Ruzanna Zeytuntsyan of Tujunga, a broker with New Wave Insurance Agency; Jack Galadijian of Van Nuys, also a broker with New Wave Insurance Agency; Sergey Yesayan of Glendale; Goar Khachikyan of Glendale; Nshan Kotoukian of Van Nuys; Grigor Yazdzhyan of Burbank; German Cano-Leiva of Northridge; Edwin Cano of Northridge; Rafik Yegiazarian of Van Nuys; Armen Gaiyan of Van Nuys; Oganes Tosunyan of Van Nuys; Gevorg Oganian of Panorama City; Gevork Akopyan of North Hollywood; and Jose Guerra of Granada Hills.
CDI began investigations after a complaint was made from an insurance carrier concerning brokers at New Wave Insurance Agency, who were allegedly backdating accidents that had occurred. This illegal activity is exchanged with the agent/broker demanding a fee. There were a number of claims investigated from three affected carriers, including Chicago Insurance Company, and Deerbrook Insurance Company.