2 arrested in alleged $300K Nordstrom counterfeit return scheme in Glendale

Two Glendale residents have been arrested and accused of stealing and returning counterfeit merchandise in a pattern of fraud that spanned several years, targeting Nordstrom, authorities said Thursday. 

Investigators for the Glendale Police Department said the case began in February 2026 when a Nordstrom employee in Glendale identified a suspect attempting to return a counterfeit item. One month later, officers were contacted by a member of the Nordstrom Investigation Team regarding the suspicious activity.

Investigators identified the suspects as Arpineh Sarkisian, 40, and Argin Gharapetian, 32. Authorities believe the suspects made more than 224 high-end designer purchases since 2019, which included clothes and cosmetics, all of which were later returned. 

The estimated loss to Nordstrom exceeds $300,000, with more than $30,000 in confirmed losses, according to authorities. Items included YSL handbags worth $2,950 and more than $3,000, as well as Gucci shoes valued at $1,900. 

According to investigators, the suspects would make the purchases online and then return counterfeit versions of the items both in-store and through Nordstrom’s distribution center. 

The suspects were served with a warrant on April 22 at their residence. Here, officers seized large quantities of high-end designer clothes, shoes, and cosmetics. Also found were counterfeit items, tags, and stolen property. 

Investigators said evidence indicated authentic items were being resold through an online merchant platform.

Following the search, Nordstrom identified an additional $35,000 in fraudulent returns tied to the scheme, bringing the confirmed loss to approximately $50,000.

Sarkisian and Gharapetian face charges of felony grand theft, receiving stolen property, and theft by pretense. They will return to court  Aug. 31, 2026, for arraignment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Glendale Police Financial Crimes Unit at 818-548-3101.