Woman arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending after Campbeltown investigation

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following an investigation in Campbeltown.

The joint operation was carried out by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) and Police Scotland.

Enquiries are ongoing after a 55-year-old woman was arrested, with a report to be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

SIMLU, which sits within Trading Standards Scotland, said loan sharks often take advantage of those in financial difficulty.

The team is urging anyone with information about suspected illegal money lending to come forward, whether they have borrowed money themselves or are worried about a friend or relative.

Chief Trading Standards officer Fiona Richardson said: “Illegal money lenders exploit people at their most vulnerable.

“By working closely with partners across Scotland, we are committed to protecting people and tackling illegal lending.

“As rising living costs put households under increasing pressure, action against lenders who target our communities is vital.

“Reports of loan sharks to the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit have increased in recent years.

“Anyone who borrows from a loan shark should know they are the victim of a crime and have done nothing wrong.

“The Illegal Money Lending team offers support and advice to anyone affected by loan sharks. We urge anyone who knows of an illegal money lender operating in their area to report them.”