Three people arrested in connection with a £1 million fraud and bribery investigation at the University of Greater Manchester have been released on bail, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.
Arrests and Raids
Two men and a woman were taken into custody on July 8 after police raided five properties across Bolton, Lancashire, Humberside, and West Yorkshire. The arrests were part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities at the university, which was renamed from the University of Bolton in December 2025.
The two men, both in their 60s, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud. One was also held on suspicion of bribery. The woman, also in her 60s, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. All three have since been bailed pending further inquiries, a GMP spokesperson said.
Investigation Details
Detectives from GMP's Major Incident Team have been investigating the allegations for over a year, following an initial report by the independent publication Manchester Mill. The probe involves around 60 transactions and more than a million emails, with evidence suggesting over £1 million in fraudulent activity.
The university commissioned a report from Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) through its Fraud Response Panel. GMP said officers are in contact with the Office for Students and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Police and University Statements
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, GMP's lead for crime, intelligence and forensics, described the investigation as a 'lengthy operation' that had become 'an even more complex picture' since the allegations first emerged. 'We are following every line of enquiry to ensure we are in a position to compile the strongest possible evidence for a potential prosecution,' he said.
A University of Greater Manchester spokesperson stated: 'The University of Greater Manchester has cooperated fully with the Greater Manchester Police in pursuance of the GMP investigation first announced on 13 May 2025 and will continue to offer its full cooperation. The University continues to be focussed on the delivery of excellent teaching and learning to students in accordance with its mission - the operation of the institution continues as normal.'
