The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has unveiled charges against two individuals, James Dinnigan and Martin Maughan, in a construction fraud scheme spanning multiple states. The complaint was unsealed in Manhattan federal court and alleges that the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud by targeting at least 24 victims, including many elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, "As alleged, these defendants and their co-conspirators carried out a brazen scheme to defraud vulnerable members of our community by posing as legitimate home repair contractors." He emphasized the commitment of his office and law enforcement partners to bringing such perpetrators to justice.
Leslie R. Backschies from the FBI's New York Field Office remarked on the defendants' tactics: "James Dinnigan and Martin Maughan allegedly enticed prospective consumers with illegitimate home improvement advertisements before intentionally destroying their property to extort unanticipated additional costs."
According to the complaint, between October 2023 and February 2025, Dinnigan and Maughan were part of a scheme involving foreign nationals from Ireland and the United Kingdom who posed as legitimate contractors. They allegedly tricked homeowners into paying for unnecessary repairs by damaging properties deliberately.
The FBI identified more than two dozen victims who collectively lost over $1 million due to this fraudulent operation. The suspects reportedly communicated with victims via cellphones and email, directing payments into controlled bank accounts.
Dinnigan entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in April 2023 but remained without authorization. He was apprehended by U.S. Customs in Champlain, New York. Maughan faced removal orders but re-entered the country illegally before being arrested at Boston Logan International Airport.
Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years if convicted. The case is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon D. Harper with support from paralegal specialist William A. Coleman IV.
Authorities urge anyone with information about this scheme or who believes they were victimized to contact the FBI through tips.fbi.gov.