The PSNI has made two arrests and carried out four searches in an operation targeting illegal loan sharking in the North West area over recent weeks.
This comes after Foyle MP Colum Eastwood warned that dissident-linked loan sharks are preying on the vulnerable in Derry in the lead-up to Christmas.
A top police officer in Derry has now spoken out about the loan-sharking scourge in the area, warning that victims with unpaid debts - and even their family members - are often "forced to repay by other means, such as storing or selling drugs".
Read more: Derry man lost car and still owes £5,000 after borrowing £1,000 from dissident-linked loan sharks
Superintendent William Calderwood, Derry City and Strabane District Commander, was speaking after former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood sounded the alarm about the problem this week.
"I have been approached by a significant number of people who are reporting that dissident-linked loan sharks have been pressuring vulnerable people in Derry," the Foyle MP said.
"These people will take any opportunity to intimidate, threaten and draw others into criminality. I am urging people not to place themselves in that position."
Superintendent Calderwood said a "proactive" investigation is already underway, targeting illegal loan sharks.
“Predatory money lending – whether from individuals, organised crime groups or paramilitary groups – is illegal," the PSNI District Commander said.
“We know that in the run up to Christmas many families feel the pressure of spending huge amounts of money on gifts for loved ones. People who are struggling with finances may be manipulated by illegal lenders, who falsely present themselves as trying to ‘help’.
“Unfortunately, the initial loan of money often results in hefty interest rates on repayments, and victims find themselves in a terrifying cycle of debt and fear, as they struggle to pay money back. Victims with unpaid debts, and indeed their loved ones, are exploited and often forced to repay by other means, such as storing or selling drugs."
He continued: “In the last few weeks, we have made two arrests and carried out four proactive searches as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal money lending in the North West area. However, we know that this type of crime often goes unreported, and are appealing to anyone involved to break the cycle of silence and reach out to us, or one of our partners, for help.
“I would also encourage people to familiarise themselves with the ‘Ending the Harm’ public awareness campaign, delivered by the NI Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, which has been successful in bringing this hidden harm to the fore."
The senior officer added: "Anyone with information can contact the Police or Crimestoppers and, in doing so, you will help us to pursue those who are taking advantage of people who may be in some way vulnerable. I would remind everyone that contact with Crimestoppers is completely anonymous. We are here to listen and to help."
A spokesperson for the PSNI added: "Contact officers on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. A radio advertising and social media campaign led by Crimestoppers will run until December 31st and demonstrates the cruel realities associated with illegal money lending."
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·