Suspected loan shark arrested in Rochdale

A 29-year-old man from Rochdale and 39 year-old woman from Hatfield, Hertfordshire were arrested on Wednesday morning (7 June) on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team worked in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Trading Standards Departments from Rochdale Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council as part of the operation. The team executed warrants at two home addresses, one in Rochdale and the other in Hatfield, seizing electronic devices.

The suspects have been released whilst enquiries continue.

Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the National Illegal Money Lending Team said: “We will continue to work with local authorities and the police to combat loan sharks. These criminals cause untold misery amongst our local communities.

“If you’ve been issued a loan with no paperwork or are receiving threats over a loan you have already paid off, please get in touch with the IMLT on 0300 555 2222. Your call will be handled by a trained IMLT officer and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Nicola Rogers, Rochdale Borough Council’s Public Protection Service Manager, said: “Protecting our residents from illegal money lenders is really important because their actions can have a massive financial and emotional impact on individuals and families who use them. We are pleased that we’ve been able to support the National Illegal Money Lending Team is tackling this illegal activity and we will continue to work together to show that it will not be tolerated.”

Terry Hone, Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We are always willing to assist the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team, in order to prevent this exploitative trade which only causes further hardship and misery to those victims caught by the insidious activity of loan sharks.

Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 378 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 325 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £71.9 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 26,500 people.

To report a loan shark:

Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text a report to 078600 22116
Visit the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk
Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk