A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following an early-morning operation in Norfolk today, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from Norfolk Constabulary to execute warrants at two addresses in the Dereham and Marsham areas.
The suspect was arrested at the Marsham address and taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT officers. A mobile phone was seized.
A third warrant was executed at a commercial premises in Dereham where documentation and cash were seized.
The IMLT works in partnership with Norfolk County Council Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: āIllegal money lending will not be tolerated in England, and we work with our partners across the country to take action against offenders.
āIllegal lenders are often well known in communities and can appear to be a friend at first. We would urge anyone who thinks they or someone they know have borrowed from an illegal lender to contact our team in confidence for advice and support.ā
There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
The warning signs of an illegal lender include:
- Giving you no paperwork or agreement on a loanĀ
- Refusing to give you information about the loanĀ
- Keeping items until the debt is paid such as your bank card or passport
- Taking things from you if you don’t pay on timeĀ
- Adding more interest or charges so the debt never goes downĀ
- Using intimidation or violence if you don’t pay
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
