Three arrested in £1m fraud and money laundering investigation at University of Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have arrested three people following raids on five properties as part of a significant and complex investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester (formerly the University of Bolton).

The operation, described by senior officers as a “key development” in a lengthy probe, centres on suspected fraud, money laundering and bribery involving more than £1 million.

Latest developments (8 July 2026)

Officers executed search warrants at five addresses: two in Bolton, one in Lancashire, one in Humberside and one in West Yorkshire.

The three individuals detained are:

• Two men in their 60s, arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud (one of whom was also questioned on suspicion of bribery)
• A woman in her 50s or 60s, arrested on suspicion of money laundering

All three remain in custody for questioning.

Detectives are analysing evidence including around 60 suspicious transactions and more than one million emails and other electronic communications. The investigation, which Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team has been running for over a year, examines alleged diversion of university funds.

Police statement

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said: “This is a key development in this significant and complex investigation which is seeing our detectives conduct painstaking work. It is a lengthy operation and we are following every line of enquiry to ensure we are in a position to compile the strongest possible evidence for a potential prosecution.

The investigation has become an even more complex picture since the allegations were first brought to our attention a year ago. We are ensuring that we have targeted phases focusing on each of the separate elements so that each strand is progressed methodically and thoroughly. The latest arrests relate to one key strand of that investigation.”

Police are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious Economic Crime team, with an initial evidence file expected before the end of the year. Officers have highlighted the impact on students, noting that money which should have supported education was allegedly misused for personal gain. GMP is in contact with the Office for Students and has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Background and context

The probe was triggered by allegations of financial misconduct reported in 2025. It has involved previous search warrants (including in July 2025) and continues to examine records spanning more than a decade in some aspects (with references in coverage to transactions dating back to around 2014).

The University of Greater Manchester has stated it is cooperating fully with the police and that normal operations continue.

This remains a developing story. No charges have been filed at this stage, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Primary sources (for verification)

• BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0ly5550jkxo
• Manchester Evening News: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/university-greater-manchester-fraud-police-34256739
• Greater Manchester Police (recent statement page): https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2026/july/arrests-made-as-investigation-into-significant-alleged-financial-irregularities-at-the-university-of-greater-manchester-continues/
• The Independent (additional coverage): https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/crime/university-greater-manchester-bolton-fraud-investigation-b3011259.html