Insurance Fraud Charges in California: Defendants Plead Not Guilty

In Pasadena, California, Sarkis Dishchyan, Ani Suzie Labbad, and Violett Lara Labbad face felony insurance fraud charges connected to a staged vehicle accident. This case emerged after a referral to the California Department of Insurance indicated a potentially fraudulent claim. Reports show that an individual confessed to unknowingly participating, involving Dishchyan and his wife, Ani Labbad.

The investigation revealed Dishchyan invited someone from Illinois to California for $5,000 to participate in the scheme. He covered their airfare, accommodation, and instructed them to rent a vehicle. This individual was in the rental car when Dishchyan allegedly orchestrated a collision with a Porsche supposedly driven by Ani Labbad. Witnesses saw a man flee the rental vehicle.

Subsequent police investigations and evidence identified the Porsche driver as Violett Labbad, Ani's sister, who misrepresented herself using Ani’s identification. Cellphone records placed Dishchyan and Violett Labbad at the incident site while confirming Ani Labbad was at home. Ani Labbad had filed an insurance claim post-collision and gained $38,932.21, while the rental company's third-party administrator sought reimbursement, citing compliance issues. The defendants pleaded not guilty in court on February 20, 2026, with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office prosecuting the case.

The California Department of Insurance, under Commissioner Ricardo Lara, continues its mission to ensure regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the industry, holding accountable those implicated in insurance fraud, maintaining industry standards, and safeguarding insurer solvency.