Menu
22/09/2022
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.
He was arrested following a search at business premises in Belfast on 17 September 2017 as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the North Belfast UVF.
A number of items were seized, including numerous customer ledgers and counterfeit cigarettes and a Money Lending and Tax Evasion investigation was subsequently commenced.
Detective Inspector Corrigan from the Police Service said: "Police believe entries in the ledgers related to illegal money lending transactions with a 50 per cent interest charge marked-up against the sum borrowed.
"Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use 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.
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.
He was arrested following a search at business premises in Belfast on 17 September 2017 as part of an investigation into suspected criminality linked to the North Belfast UVF.
A number of items were seized, including numerous customer ledgers and counterfeit cigarettes and a Money Lending and Tax Evasion investigation was subsequently commenced.
Detective Inspector Corrigan from the Police Service said: "Police believe entries in the ledgers related to illegal money lending transactions with a 50 per cent interest charge marked-up against the sum borrowed.
"Partners within the PCTF remain committed to tackling the organised criminality of those who hide under the banner of a paramilitary organisation.
"Along with our partners, we're focused on highlighting and addressing how paramilitary groups use 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.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2021
Justice Minister Launches Campaign Against Illegal Money Lenders
Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to use illegal money lending to target the most vulnerable members of our communities, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
Justice Minister Launches Campaign Against Illegal Money Lenders
Paramilitary gangs must not be allowed to use illegal money lending to target the most vulnerable members of our communities, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.
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.
06 May 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.
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.
28 September 2022
Men Arrested During Larne And Ballyclare Search Operations
Two men have been arrested during a series of search operations in the Larne and Ballyclare areas on Tuesday 27 September. Four searches were carried out by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) assisted by the Police Service's Tactical Support Group and local district officers.
Men Arrested During Larne And Ballyclare Search Operations
Two men have been arrested during a series of search operations in the Larne and Ballyclare areas on Tuesday 27 September. Four searches were carried out by officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) assisted by the Police Service's Tactical Support Group and local district officers.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
