Suspected loan sharks charged after operation in West Bromwich

A man and a woman have been charged with illegal money lending offences following an investigation in West Bromwich.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from West Midlands Police to execute a warrant at an address on Wednesday, October 25.

Officers arrested a 45-year-old man and a woman, aged 43, and seized documentation and electronic devices.

The suspects have been charged with illegal money lending and bailed to appear before Dudley magistrates later this month. The male suspect will appear in court on November 21 and the female suspect on November 23.

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

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: “We will not tolerate illegal money lending in England and we continue to work with our partners to investigate them and help protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“If you or anyone you know has been targeted by an illegal lender or has any information about illegal lenders then please get in touch with our team in complete confidence. We can offer you support and advice.”

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) says there could be up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England.

Anyone with concerns about illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.