Three suspected loan sharks were arrested in Brent and Camden in a cross borough sting operation.

The women, 38, 51 and 59, were busted at two different properties in Mapesbury and Kilburn yesterday on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering offences.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) were working with officers from Brent Council Trading Standards, Camden Council, and the Met.

Officers showed them their warrants and seized documentation, electronic devices and cash.

The women have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Cllr Richard Olszewski, Camden Council’s cabinet member for finance and transformation, said: “Loan sharks have a devastating impact on people’s lives and that of their families.

“These arrests send out a clear message that those involved in this type of criminality are not welcome and will not be allowed to continue with this illegal behaviour unchallenged by the authorities.”

Tony Quigley, head of IMLT, added: “Loan sharks are unscrupulous criminals who prey on vulnerable communities, charging exorbitant rates of interest and using fear and intimidation to recover monies ‘owed’.

“This criminal behaviour will not be tolerated in London boroughs and we will continue to work with our council and police partners to eradicate illegal money lenders from communities.

“We urge victims of loan sharks to contact us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 and help us bring those responsible to justice.”