Officers from the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, with the assistance of partner agencies, searched the premises of a suspected illegal money lender in Aberdeen on Thursday 5th December. The investigation has primarily centred on the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Council areas.
Fiona Richardson, Chief Officer of Trading Standards Scotland commented: “Illegal money lenders exploit the most vulnerable in our communities. Working with our partners at Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland we are committed to taking action against anyone who operates such practices.”
“Staff from the Illegal Money Lending team are able to provide support and advice to victims and organisations who may come across victims of this crime. This is done through our 24/7 confidential hotline, 0800 074 0878. We would urge anyone that is aware of an illegal money lender operating in their area to report them.”
Detective Inspector Grant Pert said: “Police Scotland is keen to support any initiative which will tackle the exploitation of the most vulnerable in our communities. Our aim to keep people safe across Scotland and the collaboration between the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland will hopefully send out a message that illegal money lending has no place in Scotland, and we will continue to take action against those who carry out such activities.”
Enquiries are continuing and anyone who would like to discuss this issue is urged to contact the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit.
