Three people have been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following a major, coordinated operation across East Sussex, delivering welcome news for local communities and reinforcing the importance of partnership working to tackle financial exploitation.
The operation was led by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working closely with officers from Sussex Police. Warrants were executed at residential addresses in Heathfield, Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, with a business premises in Bexhill-on-Sea also searched as part of the investigation.
A 47-year-old man was arrested in Eastbourne, a 66-year-old man in Heathfield, and a 58-year-old woman in Bexhill-on-Sea. During the operation, officers seized electronic devices and documentation, and all three individuals were taken into custody for questioning.
The IMLT works in partnership with the East Sussex Trading Standards Service to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders—individuals whose actions can devastate lives, trap people in unmanageable debt, and create fear within communities.
Working together to protect our communities
Wave Community Bank works closely with the England Illegal Money Lending Team, and this latest enforcement action highlights why that partnership matters. Over recent months, we have proudly delivered a comprehensive Stop Loan Sharks campaign across East Sussex and Kent, playing our part in tackling predatory lending head-on.
In partnership with the IMLT, we have been supporting individuals, families, employers and workplaces to stay safe and informed by:
- Delivering a free webinar for local employers and residents to raise awareness of loan sharks, the warning signs, and how to seek help
- Carrying out community outreach at Christmas fairs across East Sussex and Kent, speaking directly to the public about the dangers of illegal money lending
- Running a high-visibility poster campaign at bus stops throughout the region
- Attending the University Hospitals Sussex All Staff Conference, where NHS staff were supported with vital information—joined on the day by Sid the Shark from the IMLT
Our campaign focused on empowering people with knowledge and promoting safe, ethical alternatives, including credit unions, for those who need to borrow.
The reality of illegal money lending
Dave Benbow, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said:
“We work with partners across the country to tackle illegal lending which can blight communities.
This was a major operation across East Sussex and is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal lending in this area.
If you think you or anyone you know has been targeted by a loan shark in this area, or anywhere in England, you can call our team in confidence for help and advice about what to do next.”
The scale of the problem remains significant. Figures from the Centre for Social Justice estimate that up to 1.08 million people in England are currently in debt to loan sharks.
Warning signs of an illegal lender include:
- No paperwork or written loan agreement
- Refusal to explain loan terms
- Taking personal items such as bank cards or passports
- Seizing belongings if payments are missed
- Adding excessive charges so the debt never reduces
- Using threats, intimidation or violence
Illegal lenders are often known within communities and may be introduced through friends or family. They do not carry out affordability checks, offer no consumer protections, and frequently rely on fear to enforce repayment.
Choose safe borrowing and know support is available
If you are thinking about borrowing, the strong advice from the IMLT is to choose a credit union rather than turning to informal or unregulated lenders. Credit unions like Wave Community Bank offer transparent, affordable and ethical finance, with your wellbeing at the heart of every decision.
As we approach the festive season, it is vital to remember no one should face Christmas in fear or financial distress. By staying informed, choosing safe lenders, and reporting illegal activity, we can protect ourselves and our communities.
Anyone affected by illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks team in confidence:
- 24/7 Helpline: 0300 555 2222
- Website: www.stoploansharks.co.uk
- WhatsApp: 07700 102773
- Live Chat: Available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Support is here. Loan sharks have no place in our communities, and Wave Community Bank will continue to work alongside enforcement partners to stop them, raise awareness, and help people find a safer way forward.
