Two more arrested in University of Greater Manchester fraud investigation
Two men were arrested after warrants in Bolton and South Yorkshire on 4 November 2026 in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the
Greater Manchester Police arrested two men after executing warrants in Bolton and South Yorkshire on the morning of Wednesday 4 November 2026, in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester.
The inquiry covers the years 2014 to 2025. Police say they are examining evidence indicating more than £1 million in alleged fraudulent activity, including around 60 transactions and more than a million emails.
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by abuse of position. A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, witness intimidation and perverting the course of justice.
One of the men had previously been arrested on suspicion of money laundering in July. Two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s arrested that month were released on bail under investigation.
The university, formerly the University of Bolton, commissioned a PwC report through its Fraud Response Panel. Police opened their fraud and bribery investigation, through the force’s Major Incident Team, after receiving allegations from The Mill publication and the subsequent report. Detectives are examining the report and gathering evidence independently.
Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious Economic Crime team. In July, the force said it was working towards submitting an initial evidence file to prosecutors for advice before the end of 2026.
The regulator says opening it does not mean wrongdoing or non-compliance has occurred. Police are also working with the university to encourage staff and representatives to share relevant information.
Detective Inspector Matthew Donnelly, of the force’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, urged anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact the police.
