A BARNSLEY man was remanded in custody today on charges of illegal money lending, kidnap, wounding and assault.
The 35-year-old appeared before Barnsley magistrates charged with the offences.
He was remanded in custody until Wednesday, March 20, when he will appear before Sheffield Crown Court.
He also faces charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and money laundering.
The charges follow an investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
The IMLT works in partnership with Barnsley Trading Standards to investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders.
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).
Since its launch in 2004, the IMLT has supported over 31,500 people and written off at least £91.2 million worth of illegal debt. It has secured more than 416 successful prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to 598 years in jail.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 confidential hotline 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.
