On September 11, 2025, Citizen’s Bank officials alerted the Binghamton Police Department that an elderly female customer had withdrawn $30,000 in cash. Officers from the Binghamton Police Patrol Division responded to her residence on the West Side of Binghamton to conduct a wellness check. During the investigation, police determined that the woman was in danger of becoming a victim of an elder scam involving financial exploitation.

A coordinated sting operation by members of the Binghamton Police Community Response Team was conducted. During the operation, a male suspect approached the victim’s residence, expecting to receive the cash. When officers confronted him, the suspect fled but was quickly apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. A second suspect in a nearby vehicle was also taken into custody without incident.

The suspects have been identified as Tao Zeng, 51 years old, of Flushing, NY, and Zhilei Wu, 36 years old, of Flushing, NY. They have been charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

The investigation was assisted by the Town of Vestal Police Department. Citizen’s Bank officials were recognized for their prompt action in notifying law enforcement.

Source: Binghamton Police

Source Type: Police

Source Location: Binghamton

Binghamton, NY

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