Seven individuals from Albany and Troy face charges related to a global fraud scheme. They allegedly tricked companies into wiring money to bank accounts set up for fake businesses. The investigation, named Operation Tidal Wave, began in 2025 after a bank reported suspicious activity to authorities. The probe also led to the seizure of over 100 illegal firearms, making it one of the largest firearms seizures in the history of the Northern District of New York.
The New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with assistance from various local police departments, executed multiple search warrants throughout the Capital Region. As a result, they recovered 15 illegal handguns, four assault-style rifles, and numerous high-capacity magazines, among other items. Those arrested include Isaiah Foy from Albany, Bazeil Phoenix from Cohoes, and Marcos Delgado and Harrie Shelbyshorter from Troy…