Two Arrested in Theft of $60,000 Wedding Gift Box from Glendale Banquet Hall

On the afternoon of September 5, 2025, Glendale Police Department arrested two Los Angeles residents, Armean Shirehjini, 32, and Andranik Avetisyan, 29, in connection with a grand theft at a wedding reception held at the Renaissance Banquet Hall, located at 1236 S. Central Avenue, Glendale, California. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on August 31, 2025, when a gift box containing approximately $60,000 in cash and dozens of checks intended for newlyweds Nadeen and George Farahat was stolen. The theft disrupted what the couple described as a joyous celebration, with groom George Farahat noting the cultural tradition of giving cash and checks as wedding gifts, which were collected in a secured box.

Surveillance footage from the banquet hall captured Shirehjini, the primary suspect, blending in with guests for about an hour, dressed in formal attire to avoid suspicion. He was seen ordering a drink at the bar before seizing the opportunity to grab the gift box from a platform near the wedding party’s table. The video showed him folding and unfolding a server’s tray stand, possibly as a distraction, before swiftly taking the box and fleeing through a back hallway to an alleyway. There, he entered the passenger seat of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by Avetisyan, who acted as the getaway driver. The vehicle then sped away from the scene.

Following a week-long investigation, Glendale Police Burglary Detectives used surveillance footage and other resources to identify the suspects. On September 5, authorities executed search warrants at the suspects’ residences in Sherman Oaks and elsewhere in Los Angeles. The searches yielded a significant amount of cash and checks made out to the Farahats, directly linking the suspects to the theft. Additionally, detectives recovered several firearms, including a handgun in Shirehjini’s possession at the time of his arrest, and various narcotics from both residences, raising questions about potential broader criminal activity. No reports indicate whether Shirehjini attempted to use the handgun, and no shots were fired during the arrest.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its brazen nature and the emotional impact on the victims. Bride Nadeen Farahat described the theft as a violation during a vulnerable moment, noting that the suspect exploited the celebratory atmosphere. The Glendale Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives processing a substantial amount of evidence. Potential charges against Shirehjini and Avetisyan have not been detailed publicly, but the recovery of the stolen items offers some relief to the victims.

This incident highlights broader concerns about security at large events, particularly weddings, where valuable gifts are often displayed. It underscores the importance of enhanced surveillance, secure storage for gifts, and vigilance to prevent opportunistic crimes. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Glendale Police Burglary Detectives at 818-548-3127 to assist with the ongoing investigation.

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