Claims that an Irish building ring defrauded homeowners in the US of millions

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• What investigators say
• Allegations from victims and reporters
• Arrests, deportations and alleged returns

Federal authorities in the United States are probing an alleged multi‑million‑dollar construction scam tied to a group said to be Irish. Victims across several states report large losses, and local and Irish broadcasters have begun public investigations.

What investigators say

According to reporting by Seattle’s King 5 and an RTÉ Prime Time investigation, the suspected ring travelled between US states offering home repairs, then charging far more than quoted. Police sources told RTÉ that most suspects were in the country on overstayed visas.

Seattle police estimate roughly $15 million was lost in that city alone. RTÉ says victims across the United States have paid out a total running into the tens of millions of dollars.

Allegations from victims and reporters

King 5 journalists confronted members of the suspected group in Bellevue, Washington, after a three‑day stakeout. Reporter Andi Judson said those approached were guarded about their work. She added that two of the men appeared unusually young and were likely related to the older men allegedly coordinating the activity.

Victims interviewed by broadcasters described a pattern of low initial estimates followed by escalating charges. One man, David Diedrick, told Prime Time his partner was approached outside their home and warned a chimney needed repairs. He said he was first quoted about $2,300, later asked for another $1,400, and ended up facing a bill of around $14,000.

Arrests, deportations and alleged returns

RTÉ’s reporting cites police who say some suspects were arrested and deported back to Ireland. Those same sources allege a number later returned to the United States and repeated the alleged offences in other areas.

Investigations involve multiple federal agencies, according to the coverage, and about 30 people are suspected of taking part in the operation.

The full RTÉ Prime Time report airs on Thursday, September 17 at 9.35pm.