PROVIDENCE — A British citizen from Northern Ireland who was in the United States illegally has been sentenced to federal prison after admitting in one case to taking part in a multi-state construction and money laundering scheme that brought in more than $1 million, and in another case to using false information to enter the country, Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 29-year-old Elijah Gavin was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 48 months in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit $4,885.57, pay a $1 million forfeiture money judgment, pay $1,109,500 in restitution, and pay $300 in special assessments in one case. In the second case, he received one day in prison and a $100 special assessment. The sentences will run concurrently. Gavin pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, to wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and making a false statement to gain entry into the United States.
In pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering, Gavin admitted to:
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Using multiple names to approach and deceive property owners in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York by misrepresenting their construction needs or repairs.
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Forming several construction companies with co-conspirators and falsely representing the businesses’ experience, qualifications, and identities, while misleading homeowners about property conditions, planned work, and the equipment needed.
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Defrauding property owners out of more than $1 million between October 2022 and January 2025, including $850,000 from a Rhode Island widow, along with other elderly victims and a New York church.
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Sending checks to money launderers in New York and California representing fraud proceeds.
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Entering the United States illegally by submitting a false Electronic System for Travel Authorization application that concealed his criminal history in the United Kingdom. Gavin is also wanted by authorities in the U.K.
According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, “Conmen Travelers” are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who often enter the United States illegally or overstay tourist visas and solicit construction work in various states. They typically quote low prices before demanding significantly more money, frequently lack work authorization or permits, and perform substandard or incomplete work, sometimes damaging homes.
Gavin has been in federal custody since his arrest in New Jersey on January 29, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Taylor A. Dean prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime by coordinating resources from the Department of Justice, OCDETF, and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
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