Three arrested in fraud investigation at University of Greater Manchester

The arrests are the latest development in controversy surrounding the University of Greater Manchester, formerly the University of Bolton. Photograph: Ian Canham/Alamy View image in fullscreen The arrests are the latest development in controversy surrounding the University of Greater Manchester, formerly the University of Bolton. Photograph: Ian Canham/Alamy Three arrested in fraud investigation at University of Greater Manchester Police ‘exploring evidence’ of more than £1m in fraudulent activity involving 60 transactions and more than 1m emails Three people have been arrested as part of an investigation into financial crimes involving the University of Greater Manchester, including allegations of fraud, bribery and money laundering. Greater Manchester police (GMP) said the force was “exploring evidence” of more than £1m in fraudulent activity involving 60 transactions and more than a million emails, alongside the Crown Prosecution Service’s serious economic crime unit. GMP said it had executed warrants at two addresses in Bolton and three others in Lancashire, Humberside and West Yorkshire on Wednesday morning, and arrested two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s. All three were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, while both men were also arrested on suspicion of fraud and one man on suspicion of bribery. Regulator ‘asleep at the wheel’ over University of Greater Manchester investigation, MP says Read more The arrests are the latest developments in the controversy surrounding the University of Greater Manchester – previously known as the University of Bolton – since a series of investigations by the Mill newspaper starting in February 2025. The Mill reported the alleged offences took place between 2014 and 2025, with university funds being used for private purposes including the purchase of a heated dog kennel. Rick Jackson, the GMP’s assistant chief constable for crime, intelligence and forensics, said: “This is a key development in this significant and complex investigation which is seeing our detectives conduct painstaking work. This is a lengthy operation and we are following every line of inquiry to ensure we are in a position to compile the strongest possible evidence for a potential prosecution. “The investigation has become an even more complex picture since the allegations were first brought to our attention a year ago. We are ensuring that we have targeted phases focusing on each of the separate elements so that each strand is progressed methodically and thoroughly. “The action today relates to one key strand of that investigation, and we are working closely with the CPS with a view to providing an initial file of evidence for their advice before the end of the year.” Phil Brickell, the MP for Bolton West, said: “These are serious developments. Bolton needs a strong university with good governance working in the town’s best interests, which can command the confidence of my constituents, of students and of staff. I’ll contin