Arman Hazarian and Afshin Hashemi Arrested for Defrauding Investors of Over $4 Million in Car Sublease Scam

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.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel |…

(55279)

$35.00 (as of April 24, 2025 06:25 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.)

Mini Monocular Telescope Focusing Optical Binoculars Waterproof and Non-Slip Monoculars for Adults, Black

(13)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)

MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Dog Deodorizing Spray, White Peach Scent, 8oz

(122)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)

Huggies Newborn Diapers, Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers, Size Newborn (up to 10 lbs), 144 Count

(106675)

$45.79 (as of April 24, 2025 06:25 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.)

GORILLA GRIP 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults with Strap, Superior High Powered Clear 10X Magnification, Lightweight, Night Vision, Bird Watching, Hunting, Stargazing, Adjustable Eye Cups, Black

(80)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model), free and live TV, Alexa Voice Remote, smart home controls, HD streaming

(13176)

$34.99 (as of April 24, 2025 06:25 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.)

Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping and Moving Packing Tape, Clear, Packing and Moving Supplies, 1.88 in. x 22.2 yd., 6 Tape Rolls with Dispensers

(101333)

$12.95 (as of April 24, 2025 06:25 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.)

Handheld Digital Microscope for Kids Adults, SKYBASIC 500X Coin Microscopes Magnifying Glass, 2" Screen Portable Pocket Soldering Microscope Camera, Children Science Educational Fun Birthday Gift Toys

(15)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)

WIHOLL Two Piece Sets for Women Summer Outfits Matching Lounge Sets Wide Leg Crop Pants Vacation Travel

(1)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)

Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 50 Clear Zinc Oxide Baby Sunblock, 3 Fl Oz, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Natural, Water Resistant, Reef Safe, Vegan

(16)

(as of April 24, 2025 17:21 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.)