More arrests in £1m university fraud investigation
RudeHealth/GeographTwo more arrests have been made in an investigation into £1m of alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester.
Two men, in their 50s and 60s, have been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by the abuse of position after raids in Bolton and South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
One of the men was previously arrested on suspicion of money laundering in July, along with another man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s. They were all bailed under investigation.
GMP said it was "exploring evidence indicating over £1m worth of fraudulent activity" including 60 transactions and more than a million emails.
The force started the investigation last year into "serious allegations of fraud and bribery" at the university after a report by the Manchester Mill alleged financial misconduct, racism and bullying at the institution.
Det Insp Matthew Donnelly said it was a "complex and extensive investigation".
He added: "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."
The university, which has about 900 staff, was formerly known as the University of Bolton until a name change was announced in December 2024.
The university's vice-chancellor, Professor George Holmes, who was in the post for 20 years, was sacked in August after previously being suspended over allegations of financial mismanagement and other misconduct.
About 11,000 students attend the university.
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