20/02/2026
Two Arrested In Lisburn Illegal Money Lending Investigation
Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Predatory Lending Team carried out two arrests on Thursday, 19 February.
A 36-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were detained in Lisburn. The arrests were made on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity. During the operation, police also seized a substantial sum of cash. Both individuals have since been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Cathy O'Hara said: "A 59-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were arrested in Lisburn on suspicion of illegal money lending and associated criminality.
"A significant amount of cash was also seized."
Both suspects have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector O'Hara continued: "Illegal money lenders exploit vulnerable people in Northern Ireland's most marginalised communities. It is completely false to claim that they are providing a community service. If you have borrowed money from an illegal lender, you have not committed a crime, and you are under no legal obligation to repay the loan.
"If you need confidential advice, or you have information which could help our investigations, please contact us on 028 9070 0563 or email predatorylending@psni.police.uk
"Alternatively you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers.uk.org"
The PSNI reiterated that illegal lenders often prey on individuals in marginalised areas and clarified that borrowing from such sources is not a crime. They further stated that there is no legal requirement for borrowers to pay back loans issued by illegal lenders.
Members of the public who have information or require confidential advice are encouraged to contact the dedicated team via phone or email. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers.
A 36-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were detained in Lisburn. The arrests were made on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity. During the operation, police also seized a substantial sum of cash. Both individuals have since been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Cathy O'Hara said: "A 59-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were arrested in Lisburn on suspicion of illegal money lending and associated criminality.
"A significant amount of cash was also seized."
Both suspects have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
"If you need confidential advice, or you have information which could help our investigations, please contact us on 028 9070 0563 or email predatorylending@psni.police.uk
"Alternatively you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers.uk.org"
The PSNI reiterated that illegal lenders often prey on individuals in marginalised areas and clarified that borrowing from such sources is not a crime. They further stated that there is no legal requirement for borrowers to pay back loans issued by illegal lenders.
Members of the public who have information or require confidential advice are encouraged to contact the dedicated team via phone or email. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.