AN ALLEGED loan shark has been arrested after officers swooped on a Stalybridge address.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to execute a warrant early in the morning of Wednesday, August 21.
And a 24-year-old man was taken in on suspicion of illegal money lending as three addresses were searched as part of the operation.
An electronic device was seized and the suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.
The IMLT works in partnership with Tameside Council’s Trading Standards service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.
Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “We work with our partners across England to investigate reports of illegal lending and take action against those who blight our communities.
“If you think you have borrowed from an illegal lender or have any knowledge about illegal lending going on in your local area, then get in touch with our team in complete confidence and we can help.”
According to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), there are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England.
And as it marks its 20th anniversary, the IMLT has supported more than 31,700 people and written off in excess of £91.3 million worth of illegal debt.
It has secured more than 420 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to more than 600 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.