A warning has been issued about increasing cases of loan sharks linked to dissident republicans targeting people in Derry over Christmas.
The concern was raised by the city’s MP Colum Eastwood who said “a significant number” of “vulnerable” people have been approached by the dissident-linked individuals over recent weeks.
Earlier this month, the Belfast Telegraph reported that people in the city are being “pushed into debt and poverty” due to paramilitary organisations in both communities taking advantage of those who come to them for financial help.
At the time that warning came from Karen Mullan, the director of Foyle Network Foundation, who said there was “an increase in people who are struggling with rising household costs accessing loans from unreputable bodies and being charged extortionate high interest rates”.
Now Mr Eastwood has revealed there have been reports of “intimidation, theft and threats” as a result.
“I have been approached by a significant number of people who are reporting that dissident-linked loan sharks have been pressuring vulnerable people in Derry,” he said.
“These people will take any opportunity to intimidate, threaten and draw others into criminality. I am urging people not to place themselves in that position.
“This is a worrying development and I am asking people to be vigilant. I would appeal to everyone, no matter how difficult things look, please do not to turn to these criminals.
“I know it may seem like the only option in a difficult moment but these people will make your life a misery if you can’t pay them back. And they make it their mission to make sure you can’t pay them back in full.
“If you are finding things difficult – please reach out to advice services, charities or my office for additional support. There are people in the city who are here to help you and want to support you and your family.
“We have already received reports of intimidation, theft and threats against people who have taken money from these people. I am raising this worrying trend with police who have a role to play in disrupting the networks responsible.”
The PSNI has been contacted.