QUINCY — A routine traffic stop by Quincy police led to the seizure of over $70,000 in cash, foreign identification documents, and a large quantity of suspected stolen jewelry on Saturday, after a Land Rover Defender was pulled over for an illegal maneuver.
The incident occurred around 11:04 a.m. when a Quincy police officer noticed the vehicle making an illegal left turn from the Holiday Inn Express onto Stratton Way, driving the wrong way.
The Land Rover was stopped on West Squantum Street.
The driver, an Irish national, was found to be operating the vehicle without a license and was cited for a one-way/restricted way violation and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
The vehicle was subsequently towed, and the driver and occupants were sent on their way.
During an inventory of the vehicle’s contents, authorities discovered a significant amount of money and valuables, including four vintage graduation class rings from the 1960s to the 1990s, linking the operator to suspected “Irish Traveler” construction fraud schemes.
Massachusetts law enforcement has warned the public about these scams, which typically involve unsolicited home repairs and escalate to more significant property damage and costs.
Chief Mark Kennedy commended the diligent work of the officers and stressed the importance of reporting such sophisticated scams.
The regional nature of these crimes highlights the need for coordination among law enforcement agencies.
The United States Department of Homeland Security has been notified, with the Quincy Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation continuing to look into the case.
The driver is set to appear in Quincy District Court, facing several motor vehicle charges.
