Two Loan Sharks were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today (October 16) having pleaded guilty to illegal money lending and money laundering.
Brothers John Janes 36 and Henry Janes 35 of Rumney, Cardiff, admitted lending John and Kathleen Fury £75,000 and demanding £125,000 back over a period of 3 years.
They also each pleaded guilty to two money laundering offences totalling £252,000.
The Janes’ brothers are both recognised ‘bare knuckle’ fighters within the travelling community and the victims in this case state over the years they were intimidated and threatened so much that they could take no more. They feared the pair so much that they were forced to sell everything they owned and subsequently contacted the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit.
In November last year the Illegal Money Lending Unit assisted by the police executed warrants at the home addresses and banks of the Janes’ brothers, recovering a quantity of cash and documents relating to illegal lending and money laundering. The brothers were arrested but denied the offences in interview.
Appearing Friday 16th October 2009 at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Phillip Richards sentenced each defendant to 15 months prison for unlicensed money lending. John Janes was sentenced to a further 9 months prison for money laundering to be served consecutively to the money lending sentence. Henry Janes received a 6 month sentence for money laundering to be served consecutively.
Allegations of false imprisonment and blackmail were not admitted but are to remain on file, meaning that they can only be resurrected with the authority of the Court.
Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities said: “The despicable practise of loan sharks will not be tolerated. I urge anyone who is a victim of a loan shark or knows someone who may be victim to contact the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit 24 hour hotline on 0300 123 3311. All calls will be dealt with in confidence by one of our specialist officers.”
Steve Tooby Head of the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit said: “It took great courage for these two people to come forward, and call us. Even when we were investigating the allegations we had to arrest one of the brothers for witness intimidation whilst we had the other on strict bail conditions. We can and will take positive action against loan sharks whilst supporting people who are caught up with them. Remember loan sharks are illegal and any money owed to them does not have to be repaid. I would encourage anyone who has a loan from an illegal lender or knows of anyone operating as an illegal lender to contact the unit in confidence.”
Contact Stop Loan Sharks 0300 555 2222 or Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit 0300 123 3311
