A West Ealing man who worked as a financial crime specialist while operating an illegal loan shark business has been ordered to repay nearly £170,000 of criminal gains.
Dharmendra Devji Solanki, 59, was told by Inner London crown court to pay £169,941.89 within three months following a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing earlier this month (11 March 2026), or face a further three-year prison term. He was also ordered to pay more than £13,000 in costs.
Solanki, of Bradley Gardens, had previously admitted offences of illegal lending and money laundering. In June 2025, he was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
The court heard Solanki ran an unauthorised credit business between November 2018 and his arrest in May 2022, despite lacking permission from the Financial Conduct Authority. Investigators said he issued loans totalling more than £400,000, charging interest rates of up to 20%.
Borrowers described being subjected to pressure and intimidation. One woman, who borrowed £1,000, repaid £1,350 and was required to hand over her passport. Others received messages warning of personal and professional consequences if debts were not settled.
Dave Benbow, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “This lender knew exactly what he was doing. He acted illegally, continued to lend money, and exploited people who trusted him. We welcome the court’s decision, which ensures he cannot continue to profit from his criminal behaviour.”
The case was brought by the Illegal Money Lending Team, supported by Ealing Council trading standards and the Metropolitan Police.
Anyone affected by illegal money lending can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.
