Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Operate 'Illegal Private Loan Damage Counseling Center' at Traditional Markets

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will operate 'Visiting Illegal Private Loan Damage Counseling Centers' at nine traditional markets and shopping districts throughout April.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit announced on the 3rd that starting from April 4th at Ansan Citizen Market and continuing until the 22nd, counseling centers will be set up and operated at nine locations including Bucheon Wonmi, Anyang Jungang Injeong, Yongin Jungang, Yangpyeong Mulmalgeun, Bucheon Sangdong, Guri Traditional Market, Siwha Tool Market, and Seongnam Jungang Underground Shopping Center.

The operation of the damage counseling centers will be conducted by a counseling team composed of investigators specializing in illegal private loans, who will set up temporary counseling booths to provide direct damage consultation, reception, reporting, and guidance on relief procedures.

When damage is confirmed, the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police will guide victims to 'Ultra-Low Credit Loans' through the Gyeonggi Province Low-Income Financial Support Center and distribute promotional materials containing information on types of damage and coping methods.

The Visiting Illegal Private Loan Damage Counseling Centers is a project initiated in 2020, where the province directly visits sites to assist victims who avoid visiting investigative agencies due to burdens of exposure to illegal private loan use, fear of retaliation, or livelihood reasons.

Kim Young-su, head of the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Unit, said, "Due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation, small business owners who urgently need operating funds are likely to suffer significant damage from illegal private loans," adding, "We will minimize damage caused by illegal private loans through the operation of the damage counseling centers."

The Special Judicial Police Unit has been conducting investigations focusing on direct damage cases of illegal private loans since 2019 and has uncovered a total of 167 violators of the Loan Business Act as of March 2022.