Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On the night of 06-13-11, at about 10:40 p.m., Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a burglary alarm at the Chase Bank in the 3900 block of East Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies noticed the electronic card reader for the ATM lobby was missing from the exterior doorframe. The card reader is used by customers to gain ATM lobby access after hours.

The on-duty patrol deputies were aware of previous electronic card readers being stolen by organized crime groups. They were ready when the alarm sounded. About 15 to 20 minutes later, a Thousand Oaks patrol deputy contacted a suspect, later identified as Andranik Mousesyan, in the vicinity of another Chase Bank in the 1600 block of North Moorpark Road.

During the field investigation, deputies found the stolen electronic card reader and tools used to remove the card reader in possession of Andranik Mousesyan.

Thousand Oaks Police, Forgery-Fraud Detectives responded and expanded the investigation. Detectives had been working with San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles detectives in tracking an organized crime ring out of Los Angeles that specializes in ATM skimming, identity theft and bank burglaries. Mousesyan’s arrest was key to the on-going investigation.

Detectives arrested Andranik Mousesyan for possession of stolen bank property and possession of burglary tools. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail for these Felony charges.

These organized crime rings steal millions of dollars annually. So to protect yourself, Thousand Oaks Police Officers recommend that citizens avoid using their ATM or Credit Card to gain access to bank ATM lobbies after dark. Instead, use any card with a magnetic strip that does not have personal information such as date of birth, bank account numbers or credit information. Many citizens use their gym cards or library cards to be safe and avoid identity theft and unwanted access into their bank accounts.

We have attached Andranik Mousesyan’s photo. If you have seen him at other banks in the area please contact Fraud Detective Ed Ilano at 805-494-8231

Location: 1600 block of North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA

Date & Time/ RB#: June 13, 2011 at 11:05 p.m./11-13392

Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Forgery-Fraud Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

(V) Chase Bank Thousand Oaks, CA
(S) Andranik Mousesyan North Hollywood, CA 21

Officer Preparing Release: Detective Ed Ilano

Follow-up Contact: Detective Ed Ilano (805) 494-8231

Date of Release: June 17, 2011

Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel