A MAN was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending after a police raid in Sandwell this week.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership[ with officers from West Midlands Police to execute a warrant at an address in the Rowley Regis area on the morning of Wednesday July 31.

The suspect, a 38-year-old man, was not at the address but was arrested a short time later.

He was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators and was bailed pending further enquiries.

The IMLT works in partnership with Sandwell Trading Standards to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: “We will not tolerate illegal money lending in our communities and we work with our partners across England to take action against those who blight our communities in this way. “

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT. Since its launch, the team has supported more than 31,700 people and written off more than £91.3 million of illegal debt, securing over 420 prosecutions for illegal money lending.

Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending is urged to call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk or report it to police via Live Chat on the force website.