An Irish national, John O’Brien, residing illegally in the United States, has been detained following criminal wire fraud and conspiracy charges. O'Brien, 28, was initially arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration violations. Before the criminal charges, O'Brien violated the terms of his admission and did not leave the U.S. by October 2021 as required.
On April 3, O'Brien appeared in U.S. District Court facing allegations of defrauding homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts through a scheme involving unnecessary and often incomplete home repairs. Charging documents state that O'Brien, representing Traditional Masonry & Construction, misled homeowners about the need for repairs and his business qualifications.
An 83-year-old Warwick resident, referred to as Victim 1, reported being defrauded by O'Brien. The victim was convinced by O'Brien to pay $9,500 for foundation repairs, with further alleged costs escalating to an additional $80,000. An inspection authorized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island found no evidence necessitating such extensive repairs.
Court documents describe similar tactics used by O'Brien on other individuals, where initial small repair recommendations ballooned into urgent and costly repairs. The scheme allegedly defrauded homeowners of over $1 million. During O'Brien's arrest, investigators found numerous Traditional Masonry & Construction flyers and binders with contracts amounting to $1,987,650.
This type of fraud is becoming more frequent in the U.S., known as Traveling Conman Fraud. According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, these frauds are carried out by groups from Ireland or the U.K. who overstay visas or enter the U.S. illegally and target homeowners with high-pressure sales tactics for unnecessary repairs, often performing substandard work.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Providence, the Warwick, and East Providence Departments are investigating the case. The agencies advise consumers to be cautious with unsolicited repairs, verify contractor credentials, seek second opinions, and ensure necessary permits before commencing work.
Consumers suspecting involvement in the Traveling Conman Fraud scheme are encouraged to contact ICE HSI via email at HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@hsi.dhs.gov or through the ICE Tipline using 866-DHS-2-ICE.
