Suspected loan shark arrested in Barnet

A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering offences following an operation in the London borough of Barnet.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from Metropolitan Police to execute a warrant at an address in the area on Tuesday 14th March 2023.  Officers seized electronic devices, documents and a quantity of cash during a search of the property.

The suspect was taken into custody and questioned by investigators. She was released on bail pending further enquiries.

The IMLT works in partnership with Barnet Council Trading Standards to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

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.”