'˜Illegal money lenders face jail' '“ head of task force

THE head of a loan shark task force has said: offer illegal loans and we will find you.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Nov 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:08 BST
Cllr Roy PerryCllr Roy Perry
Cllr Roy Perry

Tony Quigley, from the Illegal Money Lending Team, based in Birmingham, was speaking after the sentencing of Kevin White and Adrian Dowse, who ran what a judge said was a ‘cash rich’ operation.

Mr Quigley said: ‘This sentence is a clear message that illegal money lending activity will not be tolerated and those caught carrying on this activity can expect a custodial sentence.

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‘We are continuing to crack down on illegal money lending and bringing those who break the law to justice.’

Speaking to The News, he said that there was ‘lots of cash’ seized in the February raids adding: ‘This just shows you the ghost economy they were operating.’

Raids on the pair’s homes, including White’s second home in Ibsley Grove, Havant, Bedhampton, were carried out by the IMLT and Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards team.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of the county council, said: ‘This is a welcome result, thanks to the good work of Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards, Hampshire Constabulary and the National Trading Standards Illegal Money Lending Team which sends a strong message that illegal money lending will not be tolerated.’