Two men arrested over £1m fraud probe at University of Greater Manchester
Two men in their 50s and 60s have been arrested over alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester, bbc.com reports.
Two more arrests in £1m fraud probe at Bolton university
Two men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into more than £1m of alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester, bbc.com reports.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the men, aged in their 50s and 60s, were arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by abuse of position, following raids in Bolton and South Yorkshire.
One of the two had already been arrested on suspicion of money laundering in July, alongside another man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s. All three were bailed under investigation at that time.
GMP said it is "exploring evidence indicating over £1m worth of fraudulent activity", encompassing 60 transactions and more than a million emails.
The force launched its inquiry last year into "serious allegations of fraud and bribery" at the institution, after the Manchester Mill published a report alleging financial misconduct, racism and bullying at the university.
Detective Inspector Matthew Donnelly described it as a "complex and extensive investigation" and issued a direct warning to those attempting to obstruct proceedings.
"Any actions that seek to interfere with, influence or undermine the integrity of a police investigation will not be tolerated," Donnelly said. "It is essential that witnesses are able to engage with us, and evidence can be gathered without fear, pressure or interference."
The university, which employs around 900 staff and has approximately 11,000 students, was formerly known as the University of Bolton before a name change was announced in December 2024.
Its vice-chancellor, Professor George Holmes, who had held the post for 20 years, was dismissed in August following a period of suspension over allegations of financial mismanagement and other misconduct.
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)