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06/05/2022
Man Jailed For Money Lending And Drug Dealing
A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months for money lending and drug dealing, to serve nine months in custody and nine months on license.
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) welcomed the sentence handed down to Thomas Porter at Antrim Crown Court today, Thursday 5 May.
In May 2017 police carried out the search of a property in Carrickfergus as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the West Belfast UDA.
Items seized revealed the offer of controlled drugs, the offer of loans and subsequent demands for the payment of loans.
The investigation showed that the defendant added a hefty interest rate to each loan, with added fines and violence threatened in cases of missed payment.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly from the Police Service said: "Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"We will continue to pursue those who cause real harm to their own communities through the distribution and supply of illicit drugs.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use illegal money lending as a means to control and exploit vulnerable people. The coercion that comes with illegal money lending means that it's common for victims to feel that they have no-one to turn to.
"I'm taking this opportunity to ask anyone who is, or has been, a victim of illegal money lending to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A public awareness campaign 'Ending the Harm' focuses on the harm caused by illegal money lending. This campaign is part of the Northern Ireland Executive Programme to Tackle Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime, which involves Government Departments, law enforcement agencies, local councils and community and voluntary sectors working together to break the cycle of violence and prevent yet another generation of young people from being exploited and abused by paramilitaries.
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) welcomed the sentence handed down to Thomas Porter at Antrim Crown Court today, Thursday 5 May.
In May 2017 police carried out the search of a property in Carrickfergus as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the West Belfast UDA.
Items seized revealed the offer of controlled drugs, the offer of loans and subsequent demands for the payment of loans.
The investigation showed that the defendant added a hefty interest rate to each loan, with added fines and violence threatened in cases of missed payment.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly from the Police Service said: "Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"We will continue to pursue those who cause real harm to their own communities through the distribution and supply of illicit drugs.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use illegal money lending as a means to control and exploit vulnerable people. The coercion that comes with illegal money lending means that it's common for victims to feel that they have no-one to turn to.
"I'm taking this opportunity to ask anyone who is, or has been, a victim of illegal money lending to contact police on 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A public awareness campaign 'Ending the Harm' focuses on the harm caused by illegal money lending. This campaign is part of the Northern Ireland Executive Programme to Tackle Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime, which involves Government Departments, law enforcement agencies, local councils and community and voluntary sectors working together to break the cycle of violence and prevent yet another generation of young people from being exploited and abused by paramilitaries.
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26 April 2018
Funding Secured For Crackdown On Illegal Loan Sharks
A specialist PSNI officer is to be established in Northern Ireland to tackle illegal loan sharks. The PSNI's paramilitary crime task force is to receiving funding for the position as part of a £5.5 million UK grant to combat illegal money lending.
Funding Secured For Crackdown On Illegal Loan Sharks
A specialist PSNI officer is to be established in Northern Ireland to tackle illegal loan sharks. The PSNI's paramilitary crime task force is to receiving funding for the position as part of a £5.5 million UK grant to combat illegal money lending.
22 September 2022
61-Year-Old Convicted Over Money Lending And Tax Evasion
Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) have welcomed the sentence handed down to 61-year-old Geoffrey Beggs at Antrim Crown Court on Tuesday 20 September. The 61-year-old was sentenced to 20 months suspended for two years for money lending; and 12 months suspended for two years for tax evasion.
61-Year-Old Convicted Over Money Lending And Tax Evasion
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Men Arrested During Larne And Ballyclare Search Operations
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29 September 2022
Paramilitary Crime Task Force Search Operations In Co Antrim
Further search operations have been carried out in County Antrim by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF), with support from the Police Service's Illegal Money Lending Team.
Paramilitary Crime Task Force Search Operations In Co Antrim
Further search operations have been carried out in County Antrim by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF), with support from the Police Service's Illegal Money Lending Team.
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