Three people arrested following anti-loan shark operation in Manchester

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending, following an operation by the Trading Standards North West illegal money lending team in Manchester this morning.

The team who work in partnership with Manchester City Council, executed a warrant under the Consumer Credit Act at a property in Wythenshawe. They seized documentation during the search.

The men are currently in custody assisting officers from the team with their enquiries.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "Loan sharks prey on the poorest and most vulnerable people in society, wreck lives and they have no place in Manchester. The illegal money lending team which operates in Manchester has already sent one loan shark to prison for five years and they are working constantly to put other people involved in this despicable crime behind bars."

The Trading Standards illegal money lending teams have secured nearly 80 years worth of custodial sentences for illegal money lending and related offences, written off illegal debt to the value of £25million and seized and confiscated £2.5million in cash. They have also helped 16,000 victims. 

Any Manchester residents who want advice about dealing with debt should call Manchester Advice on 0161 234 5678.

To report a loan shark:

Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text 'loan shark + your message' to 60003
E-mail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks