What was supposed to be a night of pure celebration for newlyweds Nadeen and George Farahat turned into a crime scene last weekend, after a brazen theft unfolded at their wedding reception in Glendale, California. In a story that has since gone viral, two men were arrested after allegedly making off with roughly $60,000 in cash and checks meant as gifts for the couple, leaving the community stunned and the victims determined to focus on the joyous moments of their big day.
The grand theft occurred at the Renaissance Banquet Hall, a popular venue in Glendale known for hosting large gatherings. According to reports from KABC and KTLA, the couple’s wedding drew around 300 guests—a detail that seemed to provide the perfect cover for the suspects’ scheme. One of the men, later identified as Armean Shirehjini, attended the event dressed in a black suit and dress shoes, blending seamlessly into the crowd. But security cameras inside the venue were rolling, capturing clear images of Shirehjini’s face before, during, and after the theft.
It was only after the festivities that the couple realized something was terribly wrong. Their wedding gift box, filled with cash and dozens of checks, had vanished. As Nadeen recounted to KABC, the shock was overwhelming. “I ended up sitting on the dance floor, sobbing with my friends and cousins around me,” she said. The thief had not only stolen their gifts, but also a sense of security on what should have been one of their happiest nights.
The Glendale Police Department sprang into action, using the security footage and a flood of tips from the public to rapidly identify the suspects. “A lot of tips came in from that. Some were good, some were bad. That’s helped us identify the suspects pretty early on in the investigation,” Sgt. Jose Barajas told KABC. Within just five days of the wedding, police had tracked down and arrested Shirehjini, whom they allege was the man seen making off with the gift box, as well as his alleged accomplice and getaway driver, Andranik Avetisyan.
According to KTLA, Shirehjini and Avetisyan, both Los Angeles residents, were apprehended at Shirehjini’s Sherman Oaks home on Friday, September 5, 2025. When officers arrived, Shirehjini was reportedly armed with a handgun, though police confirmed that no shots were fired during the arrest. The suspects attempted no resistance, but the surprises didn’t end there.
Detectives executed search warrants at both men’s residences, uncovering a trove of evidence. Among the items seized were a large amount of cash, dozens of checks made out to the Farahats, several firearms, and various narcotics. Glendale police stated, “Detectives executed search warrants at both suspects’ residences and recovered a large amount of cash and dozens of checks made out to the victims from the wedding. In addition, several firearms and various narcotics were seized from both residences.” The haul, which included 26 checks and about $10,000 in cash, was more reminiscent of an organized crime bust than a one-off theft.
Despite the scale of the recovery, police were quick to point out that neither Shirehjini nor Avetisyan had a prior criminal history related to such thefts. Sgt. Barajas explained to KABC, “Obviously, this person did hit the jackpot. We believe they got about $60,000 and a few checks. We did recover 26 checks in total and about $10,000.” Investigators believe the crime was opportunistic rather than the work of a seasoned criminal gang. “Glendale has a lot of banquet halls, a lot of weddings every single weekend, so we believe that maybe this was just a random location that they decided to pick,” Barajas added.
The suspects’ escape plan was as bold as the theft itself. After grabbing the gift box, Shirehjini reportedly dashed from the venue and jumped into a waiting black SUV, with Avetisyan behind the wheel. The pair fled the scene, but their flight was short-lived thanks to the combined efforts of Glendale Police Burglary Detectives and the community. Video surveillance, tips, and diligent investigative work led to their capture within less than a week.
While the arrests have brought some measure of relief, the investigation is far from over. KTLA reported that detectives are still processing a significant amount of evidence, including the seized firearms, narcotics, and what appear to be fake IDs. The legality of the guns and the origins of the drugs are under scrutiny, and police have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Glendale Police Burglary Detectives.
The Farahats, meanwhile, are doing their best to move forward. Speaking to KABC before the suspects were apprehended and the stolen items recovered, George Farahat remained resolute in his desire to focus on the positive. “We had a wonderful ceremony at our church. We had a really fun party with our family and friends, and we were able to celebrate up until the incident,” he said. “We’re trying to focus on the fun times, the important things to us, and the fact that we’re married.”
For many in the community, the crime has been a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist even during life’s most cherished moments. Banquet halls in Glendale are a staple for weddings and celebrations, but the incident has prompted some to reconsider security measures at such events. The fact that the suspects had no prior record and were able to infiltrate a large gathering undetected has raised questions about how to better protect guests and their gifts in the future.
Despite the ordeal, the Farahats’ story has resonated widely, drawing sympathy and support from across Southern California and beyond. Their decision to focus on the joy of their union, rather than the loss, has struck a chord with many. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, their resilience stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of celebration—even in the face of unexpected adversity.
With detectives still piecing together the full story behind the theft, Glendale’s wedding community is left to ponder what lessons can be learned. For now, the swift police action and the Farahats’ positive outlook offer a glimmer of hope that even the most shocking setbacks can’t overshadow the happiness of a day meant for love and togetherness.
