Illegal money-lenders in the West Clare town of Kilrush were charging their customers 50% interest rates on money borrowed, a court has heard.
That was the allegation made yesterday in court by Det Garda Donal Corkery as he outlined the facts in the case concerning five people charged in relation to illegal money-lending in Kilrush in 2013.
At Ennis District Court, Det Corkery said that “the State will allege that for €100 borrowed, €150 would have to be repaid”.
Det Corkery said that the State will alleged that following complaints from members of the public in 2013, “Gardaí set up an operation in Kilrush known as Operation Payday and the target was the unlicensed moneylending in operation in Kilrush town”.
He said: “Following months of observation and surveillance, Gardaí identified persons involved in unlawful moneylending and on the 3rd of December 2013, Gardaí conducted searches and arrests in Kilrush town against people engaging in moneylending without a licence”.
Asked what amounts loaned were involved, Det Corkery said that the amounts ranged from €50 to €8,000.
Insp Tom Kennedy said that all five are pleading not guilty to the 41 separate charges brought against them concerning seven complainants.
In response to a question from Judge Patrick Durcan, Det Corkery said that the State is not alleging any oppressive behaviour against the five.
He said that State will allege that the accused persons were offering money to persons without a money lending licence and that they failed to provide a repayment book to persons receiving loans.
After hearing an outline of the facts, Judge Durcan declined jurisdiction resulting in the case going forward to the circuit court where tougher penalties will apply to anyone who is convicted.
As part of their bail terms, all five have agreed not to go within 100 metres of Kilrush post office on dole days.
Diana Casey (32) of Wood Rd, Kilrush faces a total of 17 charges concerning the unlawful moneylending to six people.
Ms Casey’s brother, Patrick Casey is also charged in relation to the alleged unlawful moneylending.
Mr Casey of (26) of Beverly Hills View, Kilrush faces 11 charges in relation to the unlawful money-lending to four people between 2011 and December 3rd 2013.
Two others facing charges are also a brother and sister. Ann-Marie O’Brien (30) of Chapel Drive, Kilrush faces five charges in relation to the unlawful lending to two people between January 1st and December 3rd 2013.
Ms O’Brien’s brother, James O’Brien (20) of Sycamore Drive, John Paul Estate, Kilrush appeared in relation to three charges concerning the alleged unlawful money lending to one person between January 1st and December 3rd 2013.
The O’Briens and the Caseys are also first cousins to each other.
A fifth, Ms Bernie O’Grady (43) of Wood Rd, Kilriush is facing five charges in relation to unlawful money lending to a person between December 2012 and December 2013.
None of the five made any reply when charged and cautioned by Gardaí.
Judge Durcan remanded all five on continuing bail to re-appear before Ennis District Court to July 15th for the serving of a Book of Evidence.