The Guilderland Police Department has arrested two men from Jersey City, New Jersey, in connection with a potential scam targeting a senior citizen. The suspects, Nicholas T. Bialobzreski, 21, and Max Baraiya, 21, were taken into custody on Friday following an undercover investigation led by the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit.
Investigation Triggered by Senior Citizen’s Complaint
Authorities launched the investigation after a senior resident in Guilderland reported a suspected scam. The victim believed they had been targeted in a fraudulent scheme and reached out to law enforcement for help.
To catch the suspects in the act, police set up a sting operation involving an undercover officer posing as a delivery person. The officer was instructed to deliver a package, which was reported to contain $31,000, to an agreed-upon location—5239 Western Avenue, a Hannaford supermarket.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrests
While communicating with the suspects over the phone, the undercover officer handed over the package at the designated location. As soon as the delivery was made, police moved in and arrested one suspect on the spot.
However, the second suspect, who had been dropped off in the parking lot, attempted to flee the scene. Guilderland Police officers quickly responded and took him into custody shortly after.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Both Bialobzreski and Baraiya have been charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny. Following their arrest, they were arraigned in Guilderland Town Court and have been released on probation.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of scams targeting senior citizens. Thanks to the swift action of the Guilderland Police Department, the suspects were caught before they could profit from their fraudulent scheme. Law enforcement officials continue to warn the public to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities.