A man aged 34 has been arrested in Huddersfield on suspicion of illegal money lending.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) and officers from West Yorkshire Police to executed a warrant at an address in the town on Wednesday (November 26).

Officers seized an electronic device and the suspect was taken into custody to be questioned by IMLT investigators.

The IMLT works in partnership with West Yorkshire Joint Services Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.

Dave Benbow, acting head of the IMLT, said: “Illegal lenders target the most vulnerable people, and we work hard with our partners to stop them blighting communities in this way.

“If you have been offered a loan, maybe by someone you thought was a friend, been threatened when you couldn’t pay, had your bank card taken from you as security or if what you owe keeps growing even though you are making payments, then you may well have been targeted by an illegal lender.

“If you, or anyone you know, has experienced any of these things or has any knowledge of illegal lending activities then contact our team in complete confidence.”

There are up to 1.08 million people in debt to loan sharks in England, according to figures from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

Unauthorised lenders do not complete affordability checks on borrowers – often meaning they are lending to people who cannot pay them back.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT. Since its launch, the team has supported over 32,000 people and written off over £91.3 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 427 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to over 609 years in jail.

Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.