Man arrested on suspicion of loan sharking and drug offences in Middlesbrough

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of loan sharking and drug offences following an operation in Middlesbrough.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with the Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team and Middlesbrough Council Trading Standards to execute a warrant at an address in Saltersgill on Tuesday, February 22.

During the search, officers seized documentation, electronic devices and a quantity of suspected Class A drugs.

The man was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending, money laundering and possession with intent to supply and was taken into custody for questioning.

He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Last month, a 40-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of loan sharking offences after unrelated warrants were executed at properties in the Acklam area and near Park End. Both suspects remain under investigation pending further enquiries.

Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to take action against those who blight our communities in this way.

“If you have been offered a cash loan, threatened when you couldn’t pay, had your bank card taken from you as security, or if what you owe keeps growing even though you are making payments, then you may well have been bitten by a loan shark.

“If you, or anyone you know, has experienced any of these things or has any knowledge of loan shark activities then contact our team in complete confidence. We will help you escape the clutches of these ruthless criminals.”

Watch out for these warning signs when dealing with loan sharks:

• Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loan 
• Refusing to give you information about the loan 
• Keeping items until the debt is paid such as your bank card or passport
• Taking things from you if you don’t pay on time 
• Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes down 
• Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay

Anyone with concerns about illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or fill in our online form for support and advice. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.