‘Shoot them in the kneecaps’: Scammers con couple out of $28k

A group of Irish tradies have gone to ground after allegedly scamming an elderly couple out of $28,000.

The couple, in their 80s, paid over the money for roofing work.

The pair were too distraught to speak to A Current Affair, but friend Bob Holmes said he wished he could have done more.

"Merv was getting works done, I asked how are they doing it, how are they getting asbestos out," he said.

Neighbours were also suspicious of the three tradies, who did not put up warning signs about asbestos being stripped.

Mr Holmes attempted to set up a police sting to catch the culprits in the act.

However, the tradies smelt a rat and fled before police could arrive.

Mr Holmes said if he could, he would "punch (them) in the face and shoot (them) in the kneecaps".

Legitimate repairs are now underway at the couple's house, and workplace health and safety officers are investigating.

Two of the alleged scammers have been identified as Jimmy Quinn and Willy Ward.

Mr Ward's Facebook page claims he has now left the country.

The Australian Border Force confirmed a number of the group have left Australia, but several remain onshore.

Investigations are continuing.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.