A 51-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday (Jan 31) on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering after a warrant was executed in Midanbury.
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The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working in partnership with Southampton City Council Trading Standards and Hampshire Constabulary, executed a warrant at a residential address seizing documentation, electronic devices and a quantity of cash.
Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities and extort them out of hard earned cash. We will continue to work with local authority and police partners to stamp out this awful crime.
“If you have any information about illegal money lending in your area or you would like to report a loan shark because you have fallen victim, please contact us on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.uk. We will take information anonymously and in confidence.”
Councillor Satvir Kaur, the council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said that the council was fully supportive of the arrest, and that it sent out a strong message that “illegal activity that targets vulnerable people will not be tolerated in our city”.
Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams say they have secured more than 380 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 329 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £73.7 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 28,000 people.
The council says anyone with financial concerns can find help at www.southampton.gov.uk/ by searching for money and debt advice.