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Mike Vartabedian, age 42, of Pasadena and Hagop Krikor Soukiassian, age 37, of Glendale were arrested for the crimes of burglary, conspiracy, and possession or use of a scanning device with the intent to defraud. Vartabedian and Soukiassian had installed a card skimming device and miniature cameras on and around two automated teller machines. Card skimmers and cameras are used by criminals to steal debit card and credit card information and PIN numbers for fraudulent use.

On May 30, 2015 at 5:55 p.m., a Chase Bank fraud investigator contacted the Santa Barbara Police Department to advise that a card skimmer and miniature cameras had been placed on and around two Chase Bank ATMs located at 3307 State Street. The investigator, who was not in Santa Barbara, observed the activity via the bank and ATM security cameras. He advised that the suspects had not yet returned, but in cases like this typically do so after approximately 1 to 2 hours. In this instance the card skimmer had been installed on the door to the vestibule where the ATMs were located. Afterhours customers are required to swipe their debit cards at the door in order to gain access to the machines. The miniature cameras had been installed on each of the ATMs. Investigation subsequently revealed that Vartabedian was responsible for installing the devices.

SBPD officers responded and conducted a stakeout. At 7:29 p.m. Soukiassian was observed removing the skimmer and cameras that had previously been installed by Vartabedian, which took him approximately 30 seconds to do. Soukiassian then entered a car being driven by Vartabedian and the two attempted to drive away. They were stopped by officers, however, at gunpoint and taken into custody. The card skimmer and cameras used in the crime were recovered, along with other evidence.

Neither Vartabedian nor Soukiassian would provide investigators with a statement. They are believed to be involved in several other similar cases that have occurred throughout Southern California. They were both booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on the aforementioned charges with bail amounts of $250,000.00.