Authorities have apprehended three individuals in connection with a probe into financial misconduct at the University of Greater Manchester, which includes accusations of fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced that they are examining evidence relating to over £1 million in fraudulent activities, encompassing 60 transactions and more than a million emails. This investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the serious economic crime unit of the Crown Prosecution Service.
On Wednesday morning, police executed search warrants at two locations in Bolton and three additional sites across Lancashire, Humberside, and West Yorkshire. The arrested individuals include two men in their sixties and a woman in her fifties.
All three suspects face allegations of money laundering, with both men additionally charged with fraud, and one man also under suspicion for bribery.
This latest round of arrests adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the University of Greater Manchester—formerly known as the University of Bolton—following a series of investigations by The Mill newspaper that began in February 2025.
The Mill reported that the alleged misconduct occurred between 2014 and 2025, indicating that university funds were misappropriated for personal expenditures, including the purchase of a heated dog kennel.
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson of GMP stated, “This marks an important milestone in this intricate investigation, which requires meticulous efforts from our detectives. The operation is extensive, and we are exploring all avenues to gather the most robust evidence for a possible prosecution.”
He added, “The investigation has evolved significantly since the initial allegations came to light a year ago. We are ensuring that we approach each distinct element methodically to advance each aspect thoroughly.”
Jackson further noted that today’s actions pertain to a critical part of the investigation, and they are collaborating closely with the CPS to prepare an initial evidence file for their review by the year’s end.
Phil Brickell, the MP for Bolton West, remarked, “These developments are serious. Bolton requires a reputable university with effective governance that serves the community’s best interests, instilling confidence among constituents, students, and staff. I will continue to engage with the university, the Office for Students, and the Department for Education as the investigation progresses.”
The University of Greater Manchester is a significant employer in Bolton, with nearly 11,000 students contributing to the economic prosperity of the Greater Manchester area.
Jackson emphasized, “We must remember that the heart of this situation involves students whose educational experiences have been affected by funds that should have been dedicated to their education but were allegedly misused for personal benefit.”
GMP confirmed in May of last year that they were investigating claims of financial irregularities involving the university. In July, detectives from the major incident team conducted searches at seven locations in Greater Manchester and southern England to collect evidence.
Last December, the Office for Students officially launched an inquiry into the university’s governance and management practices.
The institution changed its name from the University of Bolton to the University of Greater Manchester after receiving approval from the Office for Students in December 2025.
