How a cowboy builder ripped off his customers – and got away with it

Last year, builder Russell McMaster became the subject of a BBC investigation that shed light on his practices, identifying him as a “cowboy builder.” The exposé detailed how McMaster allegedly swindled his clients, leaving them with incomplete or shoddy construction work. Following the broadcast, a strong reaction emerged from his aggrieved customers, many of whom publicly called for his prosecution. Despite these widespread demands for legal action from those reportedly affected by his services, McMaster has, to date, not faced formal charges, appearing to avoid significant legal consequences for his alleged conduct.