Three people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged financial irregularities worth £1 million at the University of Greater Manchester. Five properties were raided by police on July 8 as part of the probe into allegations of bribery and fraud at the institution, which was renamed from the University of Bolton in December.
Details of the Raids and Arrests
Two of the properties raided were in Bolton, while one was in Lancashire, one in Humberside and one in West Yorkshire. Two men, aged in their 60s, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Both were also arrested on suspicion of fraud, while one is additionally being held on suspicion of bribery. A woman, also aged in her 60s, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. All three have been taken into custody for questioning.
Origin of the Investigation
Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team opened the fraud and bribery investigation a year ago after an investigation by independent publication Manchester Mill into the university. A subsequent report was then published by Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), commissioned by the university’s Fraud Response Panel.
Scope of Alleged Fraud
Detectives said they are 'exploring evidence indicating over £1 million’s worth of fraudulent activity'. Around 60 transactions are being probed, as well as more than a million emails. GMP officers are in contact with the Office for Students and urged staff or representatives to come forward with 'information that may assist with our enquiries'.
Police Statement
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, GMP's lead 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 enquiry 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 focussing on each of the separate elements so that each strand is progressed methodically and thoroughly."
He added: "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. We don’t lose sight of the fact that at the heart of this are students whose university experience has been impacted by money that should’ve been invested in their education instead allegedly being used for personal gain. We are continuing to engage with all relevant parties so that all necessary action can be taken in relation to any suspected criminality and to support those at the University potentially impacted by this case."
