Crimson helps investigators tackle loan sharks

November 23, 2011

WPC Software, a leading developer of software systems for UK police forces, has launched a new investigation tool which is being used by England's Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to target loan sharks.

IMLT is using the new Crimson investigation management system to speed up the process of investigating and prosecuting illegal money lenders who prey on the vulnerable.

The IMLT, which has 30 specialist investigators working out of a central base in Birmingham, estimates that there are about 310,000 households borrowing from illegal lenders. Many victims are subjected to threats and violence if they miss repayments at extortionate rates of interest.

An IMLT spokesperson said:

Crimson makes it easier to manage the investigations and make connections more quickly so that we get a clear picture of loan sharks, who they are lending to and the scale of their operations. It will enable us to be more efficient and effective in tackling illegal money lenders.

Glenn Bewes, managing director of WPC Software, said:

Crimson has been designed using our extensive knowledge of law enforcement processes gained by delivering software solutions to support UK police forces. We are delighted that our new system has been adopted by England's Illegal Money Team to help tackle the problem of loan sharks and the misery they cause.