Suspected loan shark arrested in South West London
A 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following an operation in South West London.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police to execute a warrant at an address in the Barnes area on Tuesday, January 7.
Officers seized electronic devices and documents and the suspect was taken into custody and questioned by IMLT investigators. She was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
The IMLT works in partnership with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.
Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal money lending will not be tolerated in England, and we continue to work with our partners to take action against those who blight our communities in this way.
“If you think you, or anyone you know, has borrowed from an illegal lender, then you can contact our team in complete confidence.”
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 IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, was launched in 2004 and since then has supported over 32,000 people and written off over £91.3 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 427 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to over 609 years in jail.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 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.
