Troubled singer Michael Jackson has turned to a notorious loan shark in a desperate bid to solve his massive $190 million (GBP120 million) debt crisis.

The THRILLER star - who's currently facing allegations he molested a 12-year-old boy - has reportedly been seeking advice from ALVIN MALNIK, who is under police investigation for alleged links to the mafia.

Pals claim the hitmaker has also borrowed money from the 70-year-old, who is known to charge interest rates of up to 246 per cent per year.

And friends fear Jackson's connection to Malnik will hinder his chances of being cleared of the recent sex abuse charges.

A source tells Britain's The Sun tabloid, "It's another example of Michael surrounding himself with the wrong people at a time when he needs to be taken seriously.

"He should be getting help from respectable experts, not shady characters who only sully his image further."

08/12/2003 02:30