Police on Tuesday said they arrested 59 people, after officers busted syndicates allegedly linked to loan shark and illegal debt collection activities involving a total of more than HK$39 million.

The force said the suspects, between the ages of 20 and 76, are alleged to have targeted foreign domestic helpers

They said syndicate members would use different methods to deduct the amount of money the borrower actually received, such as forcing them to purchase goods or pay administration fees. The victims would then have to repay the loan at a high-interest rate.

The force said officers seized over HK$1 million in cash, passports, employment contracts and loan agreements during the operation.

“The syndicate took advantage of lenders who have borrowing needs,” said Ho Yan-ki, the Chief Inspector of Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit.

Ho also encouraged foreign domestic helpers and their employers to contact police if they encountered such loan shark syndicates.