Group of Irish in Australia accused of being behind scams across Gold Coast

A group of Irish people in Australia are accused of being behind a series of scams across the Gold Coast.

Police say groups of men, and women with children, have been targetting small businesses and elderly residents since January.

12 separate incidents are being investigated.

Tony Flemming from Queensland Police told 9 News in Brisbane, that some people have been scammed out of thousands of dollars.

“These are serious allegations and we’d very much like to hear their side of the story,” the detective superintendent said.

“Five men are alleged to have defrauded an elderly man of more than AUS$25,000 for repairs to a roof that wasn’t conducted.”

Brittney Kleyn for 9 News in Brisbane says the gang breaks up into small groups and is often accompanied by children who are used as a distraction.

"Police are very keen to catch up with these thieves. We hear they [the police] have a task force designated to this case around the clock," said Ms Kleyn.

"And if they are caught it is likey that they could be deported."

- Digital Desk