Return Fraud Scheme Suspects Arrested In Glendale, CA

Glendale Police Department, in Collaboration with Nordstrom, Investigates and Arrests Two Suspects for Fraudulently Returning Designer Merchandise Valued at Over $50,000

Glendale, CA — The Glendale Police Department has concluded a financial crimes investigation involving an organized retail fraud scheme targeting Nordstrom.

The case originated when a Nordstrom employee at the Glendale location identified a suspect attempting to return a counterfeit item in February of 2026. On March 10, 2026, an officer assigned to the Downtown Policing Unit was contacted by a member of the Nordstrom Investigation Team who reported the suspicious return activity.

Some recent items included YSL handbags valued at $2,950 and $3,150, as well as Gucci shoes valued at $1,190.

Through an internal review, Nordstrom investigators identified a pattern of fraudulent activity linked to two Glendale residents, later identified as Arpineh Sarkisian and Argin Gharapetian. Investigators determined that since 2019, the suspects had made over 224 purchases of high-end designer clothing and cosmetics, with all 224 items subsequently being returned. The estimated potential loss to Nordstrom exceeds $300,000, with more than $30,000 in confirmed losses occurring during this investigation alone.

The investigation revealed the suspects purchased authentic merchandise online and later returned counterfeit versions of those items, both in-store and through Nordstrom’s distribution center.

Glendale Police Financial Crimes Detectives, working in coordination with Nordstrom investigators, utilized investigative leads, technology, and search warrants to further investigate. On April 22, 2026, Glendale Police served a search warrant at the suspects’ residence in Glendale.

During the search, officers recovered a large quantity of high-end designer clothing, purses, shoes, and cosmetics. Counterfeit items, merchandise tags, packaging materials, and identifiable stolen property were also located. Evidence further indicated that the authentic items were being resold through an online merchant platform.

As a result of the search warrant, Nordstrom has identified an additional estimated $35,000 in fraudulent returns tied to this case, bringing the confirmed loss as of now to approximately $50,000.

After the search warrant, Sarkisian and Gharapetian were arrested for various charges, including felony grand theft, receiving stolen property, and theft by false pretenses.

Both Sarkissian and Gharapetian are due back in court on August 31, 2026, for their arraignment.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Glendale Police Department. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Financial Crimes Unit at 818-548-3101.