STAFF REPORT
Investigators from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Department of Motor Vehicles, Los Angeles Police Department, and California Highway Patrol have concluded a 12-month investigation into a high-end auto subleasing scam centered in the San Fernando Valley, that defrauded a dozen innocent investors of nearly $4 million.
The case was coordinated by the Los Angeles Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (T.R.A.P.), and encompassed the loss of over 40 high-end vehicles, which included Bentley, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, BMWs, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, and Lexus vehicles. These stolen automobiles were taken from investors who, individually, lost amounts up to $750,000.
In the scam, the suspects allegedly defrauded victims, who were solicited over the internet to be investors. The victims would purchase or lease the high-end vehicles and turn them over to the suspects, who would, in turn, lease the vehicles to others at a profit.
Instead, police discovered the vehicles were being stolen, sold to unsuspecting buyers, and used in criminal activity – leaving the “investors” responsible for the costs of the vehicles, often in amounts exceeding $500,000. Some of these high-end cars have never been recovered.
Suspects Arman Hazarian, male 47 years-old, of Tarzana, and Afshin Hashemi, male 47 years-old, of Hollywood, were arrested Friday, March 15, 2019, and are being held in lieu of $3.8 million bail.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced Monday, March 18, 2019, both suspects were charged with 40 felony counts of grand theft of an automobile, and six felony counts of grand theft. They are due in North Valley Superior Court Tuesday, March 26, 2019.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Los Angeles Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (T.R.A.P.) Headquarters at (626) 873-2357.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wonder if these cars are some of the paper DMV used in burglaries around this areas.
2025-D Lincoln Head Cent
$2.95 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
VERTHMOE Fathers Day Dad Gifts, Drive Safe Dad Gifts for Fathers Day, Dads Gift for Father Who Wants Nothing, Small Gift from Daughter Son, EDC Box Cutter Outdoor Camping Tools Gift
$2.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Burt's Bees Baby Baby Boys' Pajamas, Tee and Pant 2-Piece Pj Set, 100% Organic Cotton
(as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Intex 64417ED 22in Queen Dura-Beam Comfort Plush High-Rise Inflatable Air Mattress with Built in Pump for Travel and Camping, 600lb Weight Capacity
$66.94 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nippies Nipple Covers for Women - Sticky Adhesive Silicone Pasties - Reusable Pasty Nipple Cover with Travel Box
$26.50 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
140W Charger for MacBook Pro 16 14 inch Mac Air 15 13 inch 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 M1–M4【Original Quality】Type C Fast Charger Power Adapter & 6.6FT Type C to Magnetic 3 Cable LED Applicable 2021-2025
$31.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Under Cabinet Lighting- 84 LED Super Bright,3-Color & 5-Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor, Rechargeable 1800mAh Long Lasting-Easy Installation Strong Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack
$13.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls
$24.97 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack
$17.95 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple AirTag
$24.95 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
It would not surprise me one bit there’s nothing these crooks want to do $4
Seagate (Recertified Exos X 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF (ST28000NM000C), Renewed
$338.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Drift Car Air Freshener - Wood Air Freshener - Car Odor Eliminator - Teak Scent Starter Kit
$12.95 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
XIEERDUO 3/4 Length Sleeve Womens Tops Dressy Casual Blouses for Women 2025 Trendy V Neck T Shirts Summer Clothes
$14.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rain-X 810165 Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades, 22 Inch Windshield Wipers (Pack Of 2), Automotive Replacement Windshield Wiper Blades With Patented Rain-X Water Repellency Formula
$36.18 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Meta Quest 3S 128GB Renewed — Dive into Mixed Reality — Unreal Experiences — All-in-One Headset
$269.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GOOACC - GRC-33 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car Plastic Rivets Fasteners Push Retainer Kit Most Popular Sizes Auto Push Pin Rivets Set -Door Trim Panel Fender Clips for GM Ford Toyota Honda Chrysler
$12.14 (as of May 20, 2025 06:36 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
New 2025 ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - Energy Star Certified programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
$129.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 S 10 Coin Clad Proof Set in OGP with CoA Proof
$57.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Under Cabinet Lighting- 84 LED Super Bright,3-Color & 5-Brightness,4 Modes,Motion Sensor, Rechargeable 1800mAh Long Lasting-Easy Installation Strong Magnetic Under Cabinet Closet Lights -2 Pack
$13.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
VERTHMOE Fathers Day Dad Gifts, Drive Safe Dad Gifts for Fathers Day, Dads Gift for Father Who Wants Nothing, Small Gift from Daughter Son, EDC Box Cutter Outdoor Camping Tools Gift
$2.99 (as of May 20, 2025 17:27 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)