Two loan sharks acting in ‘abject greed’ exploited vulnerable people ‘trapped in poverty’ and left one with just £40 a month. Stephen Lee, 65, and Gary Karucz, 47, befriended two different men, who both suffered from mental health conditions and lived in supported accommodation.
Both of the victims claimed benefits as they were not able to work due to their health. Working together, Lee and Karucz offered to lend the men money but charged an interest rate of over 100pc.
The ‘odious’ campaign of illegal money lending escalated to the point that both men lost control of their bank accounts, with one being fleeced to the point that they were left to survive on just £40 per month.
