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23 July 2019 For Immediate Release Suspected loan shark arrested in Burton-on- Trent A man has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending, money laundering and unlawful possession of identification documents, following an operation in Burton-on-Trent. Cash, documentation and electronic devices were seized following raids on two properties in the town this morning (23 rd July). Officers also recovered a large quantity of passports and European identity cards during searches of both addresses. A 34 year-old man is currently being questioned in custody as part of the investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police. Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "Illegal money lenders prey on communities and rip- off vulnerable individuals. “We are currently going through the seized documentation to identify the owners of the passports and identity

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Page 1:  · Web viewTo report a loan shark, call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text a report to 078600 22116 or visit the website ENDS For media enquiries, please contact

23 July 2019For Immediate Release

Suspected loan shark arrested in Burton-on-Trent

A man has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending, money laundering and unlawful possession of identification documents, following an operation in Burton-on-Trent.

Cash, documentation and electronic devices were seized following raids on two properties in the town this morning (23rd July). 

Officers also recovered a large quantity of passports and European identity cards during searches of both addresses.

A 34 year-old man is currently being questioned in custody as part of the investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in partnership with Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards and Staffordshire Police.

Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "Illegal money lenders prey on communities and rip-off vulnerable individuals.

“We are currently going through the seized documentation to identify the owners of the passports and identity cards; however we would appeal for anyone who has any information or may be involved to get in touch with us.”   Staffordshire County Council’s Communities Leader Gill Heath, said: “Staffordshire County Council is determined to stamp out loan sharking, which brings misery and financial ruin to people’s lives.

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to work with the Illegal Money Lending Team to drive out these criminals and protect vulnerable residents.”

Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 394 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 480 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £74.9 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 29,000 people.

Page 2:  · Web viewTo report a loan shark, call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text a report to 078600 22116 or visit the website ENDS For media enquiries, please contact

To report a loan shark, call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text a report to 078600 22116 or visit the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact IMLT Press Officer Holly-Leigh Luckman on 0121 464 4699 or email ([email protected]).

Notes to editors:

The Illegal Money Lending Teams in England, Scotland and Wales work alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to investigate those operating within the consumer credit market without the appropriate authorisation.

The Illegal Money Lending Teams in England and Wales work in partnership with local Trading Standards Authorities in their related countries. They consist of specialist officers who investigate and prosecute illegal money lending and related activity and LIAISE officers who support victims and raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.