BUFFALO, N.Y. – Sergiy Bezrukov, 33, of Salamanca, NY, is staring down the barrel of 30 years in federal prison after pleading not guilty to a sprawling 48-count indictment. The charges? Conspiracy to defraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering – a classic hustle that left roughly 200 small businesses bleeding.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the plea today, detailing a scheme where Bezrukov allegedly operated fraudulent debt restructuring businesses out of offices in Western New York. He didn’t offer solutions; he offered empty promises and a swift exit with their cash.
According to the indictment, Bezrukov targeted vulnerable small businesses, sending out slick solicitation letters under a litany of false names. He pitched a lifeline – help restructuring high-interest loans. Once businesses bit, handing over control of their finances, Bezrukov allegedly began systematically draining their accounts, funneling the money into uses having absolutely nothing to do with debt relief. When victims tried to reach him, or anyone at his operation, they were met with radio silence.
The total take? A staggering $1,200,000. Two hundred businesses, gutted by a conman promising salvation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini Ross is leading the prosecution, and she’s got a mountain of evidence to present. Bezrukov isn’t going anywhere; he’s currently being held while awaiting trial.
This wasn’t a solo operation, though. The takedown was a joint effort by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Homeland Security Investigations), and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Shelly Binkowski (USPS), Kevin Kelly (ICE), and James D. Robnett (IRS) all spearheaded the investigation.
Let’s be clear: an indictment is not a conviction. Bezrukov is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But the evidence paints a grim picture of a calculated scheme to prey on struggling businesses. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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