Illegal lender targeted his work colleagues

51-YEAR-OLD’S VICTIMS TRAPPED IN DEBT AND INTIMIDATED BY FALSE CLAIM OF PARTNER TO ENFORCE PAYMENTS

- By DAVID POWELL Daily Post Reporter [e-mail]

A 51-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced for operating an illegal money lending business and laundering the proceeds of crime, it is reported.

Michael Barrie Kennedy pleaded guilty to charges of illegal money lending and money laundering following a detailed investigation by Stop Loan Sharks Wales.

Mold Crown Court heard that Kennedy operated as an illegal lender over an eight-year period with approximately 30 victims identified.

The majority of those affected were based in North Wales and had worked alongside Kennedy at the Chester branch of a well-known chain of restaurants, where he was employed as a waiter.

Kennedy exploited his colleagues’ financial difficulties, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis, offering loans under the guise of helping them through tough times.