42-year-old woman arrested in Woodbridge area on suspicion of being a loan shark

A 42-year-old woman suspected of being a loan shark was arrested in an early morning raid today.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (ILMT) executed a warrant at an address in the Woodbridge area in partnership with officers from Suffolk Police.

The woman was taken into custody to be questioned by investigators.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: “We would like to thank our partners for working with us on this operation and inquiries will continue.

“We would urge anyone who has any knowledge about illegal money lending in any area across England to get in touch with us.

“We realise it might be a difficult step for some people, but our officers are here to help, not to judge.”

Officers seized electronic devices and paperwork during the raid, which stemmed from a joint investigation with Suffolk Trading Standards.

Since the launch of the IMLT 20 years ago, it has supported over 31,000 people and written off over £91.2 million worth of illegal debt.

The agency can be contacted 24 hours a day, including anonymousy. Anyone affected by illegal money lending should contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222, or through its website.