A JOBLESS Tottenham loan shark who preyed on gambling addicts has finally had his luck run out.

Unemployed Tung Quan Ha, 57, of Dongola Road, had claimed benefits for several years by day but moonlighted as a prolific gambler who spent more than £113,000 in 2009 at London's top casinos.

But he also targeted fellow gamblers and offered to lend them money when they hit rock bottom, When the illegal money team, part of London Trading Standards, raided Ha's property in August 2009, they found a notebook that exposed his activities.

They also found £12,2000 in cash and high-value gold and silver jewellery worth £66,000.

It is not known how long Ha was running his business, or how many clients he had.

London’s illegal money lending team manager Peter Richardson said: "This is one of the worst cases we have seen. To have a loan shark seeking out those already in a vulnerable state through gambling addiction and financial pressures is a terrible situation.

"There are a large number of victims in this case who we could not identify or contact however they can be certain that the loans they have do not have to be repaid. If you are victim we can still offer you a free support service so please contact us."

Ha has now been forced to hand over £12,200 of his profits, and fined a further £8,000. He also had to pay £12,000 in court costs.

The loan shark pleaded guilty to the charges at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday.

It follows an investigation by the London Trading Standards illegal money lending team, in partnership with Haringey Council.