Eleven held over illegal moneylending

Eleven people were arrested after searches in the Kilrush area of Co Clare this morning as part of an ongoing investigation into unlawful moneylending.

The searches, which started at 7am, were carried out at a number of business and private premises in the area and involved local gardaí assisted by the Criminal Assets Bureau as well as officials from Revenue, Social Welfare and Clare Co. Council.

Five men aged between 18 and 55 and six women aged between 20 and 49 are being held at various garda stations in Cos Clare, Limerick and Galway under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for several months, centres around complaints received from various individuals.