by Shelagh Cosla | Jul 13, 2026 | News
An Irvine Valley loan shark has been fined £10,000 and ordered to pay a further £750 victim surcharge following an investigation by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU). Samuel McVie (70) of Galston, pleaded guilty at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday 13th...
by Shelagh Cosla | May 14, 2026 | News
New research reveals hidden crisis of coerced debt trapping women and children in abuse across Scotland A groundbreaking new research report, “It’s always there, like a shadow behind you”: Women’s Experiences of Coerced Debt and Recovery in Scotland, has uncovered the...
by Shelagh Cosla | Apr 23, 2026 | News
On 23rd April 2026, officers from the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU), with the assistance of partner agencies, have searched 2 premises of suspected loan sharks in Methil, Fife. As a result of this operation, a 63-year-old female, a 60-year-old male and a...
by Shelagh Cosla | Nov 10, 2025 | News
Neil Stewart Forrester (59), from Gorebridge, was today sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to 117 hours of unpaid work following his guilty plea last month to charges of illegal money lending and threatening and abusive behaviour. The...
by Shelagh Cosla | Oct 13, 2025 | News
The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) has welcomed the guilty pleas of Neil Stewart Forrester (59), who admitted to operating an illegal money lending business across Midlothian between January 2018 and August 2022. Forrester also pled guilty to threatening...
by Shelagh Cosla | Jul 28, 2025 | News
Parents and guardians are being urged to enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer and be aware of the risks posed by illegal moneylenders during the summer holidays. In the run up to the new school term, many families will feel under increasing pressure to spend money on uniforms,...
