An Auckland loan company is being investigated over claims its staff use weapons to force people to re-pay money.
Gavin John Marsich, a director of the Twenty Fifty Club, appeared in the Manukau District Court on Friday charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
Police say the company, also known as Pay Day Loans, offers small cash loans on terms that include repayment within a week.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini said officers are following up allegations that Mr Marsich and others use weapons to enforce repayment.
He said police have been investigating the company since late last year.
"We've had a couple of people come forward and provide statements to us, and as a result of those he is now before the courts. But we're interested in anybody who has had contact of concern to people by Mr Marsich or his associates in recovering loans."
Police believe most borrowers will be from Manurewa and wider South Auckland.
Mr Marsich has told Radio New Zealand that the allegations of standover tactics are untrue and the weapon police say he had is a knife that he uses to prepare meat.
