Why this
matters?

Illegal money lenders are ruthless criminals, intent only on personal profit. Most often, they live alongside the people they terrorise. In the guise of providing a ‘service’, they coerce and entice people into borrowing beyond what they need or ask for. They often cruelly target those with vulnerabilities, such as ill-health, addictions or a disability. From day one, their focus is on controlling the borrower. They have no interest in a debt actually being repaid – extracting extortionate interest from their victims is much more rewarding in their eyes. For the victims involved, fear, threat of violence and intimidation are ever present– at their home, at their place of work; or in the community going about their daily life. Evidence shows that there is a strong link between illegal money lenders and paramilitary gangs. Even when they are not overtly representing paramilitaries, lenders are often influenced by them, or use paramilitary connections to threaten and intimidate their victims. This can include coercing them into participating in criminal activity.

Illegal money lenders are typically the last resort of those who believe they have nowhere else to go for help. People living on low incomes or on benefits can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation, or those who find themselves needing money to cope with unexpected circumstances, such an illness in the family, for example. For almost all, it is a hidden issue – borrowers are made to feel ashamed and embarrassed about their situation, and reluctant to speak to anyone about it, even when the fear and anxiety becomes overwhelming. Paramilitary gangs know this and use it to their advantage.