Two further arrests have been made in connection with an investigation into alleged financial irregularities worth £1 million at the University of Greater Manchester. Officers carried out warrants in Bolton and South Yorkshire this morning (Wednesday, November 4) as part of the probe into allegations of bribery and fraud at the institution, which was renamed from the University of Bolton in December.
Arrests and allegations
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by abuse of position. Another man, in his 60s, was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by false representation, Greater Manchester Police said.
The force's Major Incident Team opened the fraud and bribery investigation a year ago following an investigation by independent publication Manchester Mill into the university. A subsequent report was published by Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), commissioned by the university's Fraud Response Panel.
Investigation details
Detectives have been making 'painstaking enquiries' since, with three arrests previously made in July. The two men and a woman arrested then were released on bail. Detectives said they are 'exploring evidence indicating over £1 million's worth of fraudulent activity', with around 60 transactions being probed as well as more than a million emails.
GMP said 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
Detective Inspector Matthew Donnelly from GMP's Economic and Cyber Crime Unit said: "This remains a complex and extensive investigation into allegations of fraud, bribery and financial misconduct at the University of Greater Manchester. The offences for which these individuals have been arrested on suspicion of are serious and include allegations of fraud, witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and money laundering.
"Any actions that seek to interfere with, influence or undermine the integrity of a police investigation will not be tolerated. This is a complex and significant investigation involving serious allegations, and it is essential that witnesses are able to engage with us, and evidence can be gathered without fear, pressure or interference.
"Over the past year, detectives have carried out a significant volume of enquiries to carefully assess and independently verify the information available to us. We have been working closely with specialist partners, including the Crown Prosecution Service's Serious Economic Crime team. I would urge anyone who has information which may assist our investigation to come forward and speak to us."
