Greater Manchester Police have arrested three individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into financial crimes at the University of Greater Manchester. The arrests include two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s, all taken into custody on suspicion of money laundering. The two men face additional fraud charges, with one also suspected of bribery.
The investigation, conducted in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service’s serious economic crime unit, centers on evidence of more than £1m in fraudulent activity spanning 60 transactions and encompassing over a million emails. Police executed warrants at multiple addresses across Bolton, Lancashire, Humberside, and West Yorkshire earlier this week. According to Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, the case represents a significant and complex inquiry requiring methodical examination of multiple strands of evidence.
The investigation stems from revelations first reported by the Mill newspaper earlier this year, which detailed alleged misconduct occurring between 2014 and 2025. Reports indicated that university funds were diverted for personal purposes, including the purchase of a heated dog kennel. The university, which rebranded from the University of Bolton in December 2025 following approval from the Office for Students, serves approximately 11,000 students and operates as a major employer in the Bolton area.
Police confirmed awareness of the allegations in May of last year, with additional property searches conducted in July. The Office for Students formally initiated its own investigation into the institution’s management and governance in December. Officials emphasized that students’ educational experiences were compromised by funds that should have supported their learning. The case remains ongoing, with authorities aiming to compile a complete evidence file for prosecution consideration by year’s end.
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