Three people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering as police officers investigate alleged financial irregularities at a university.
Greater Manchester Police say the probe involving the Bolton-based University of Greater Manchester is looking at potential fraudulent activity totalling more than £1 million.
Properties were raided on Wednesday in Bolton, Humberside, West Yorkshire and Lancashire, with two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s detained.
Both men are also being questioned on suspicion of fraud, with one of them additionally held on suspicion of bribery.
The inquiry by Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team was launched last year after it received allegations from online newspaper The Mill and a subsequent report from accounting firm Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) commissioned by the university.
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.
“We are following every line of inquiry 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 action today relates to one key strand of that investigation, and we are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service with a view to providing an initial file of evidence for their advice before the end of the year.
“We don’t lose sight of the fact that at the heart of this are students whose university experience has been impacted by money that should’ve been invested in their education instead allegedly being used for personal gain.
“We are continuing to engage with all relevant parties so that all necessary action can be taken in relation to any suspected criminality and to support those at the University potentially impacted by this case.”
Detectives are said to be analysing around 60 transactions and investigating more than a million emails.
The university, formerly known as the University of Bolton, has been contacted for comment.
In May 2025, the university’s vice-chancellor Professor George Holmes was suspended along with two senior members of staff.
A university spokesman said: “The University of Greater Manchester has cooperated fully with the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in pursuance of the GMP investigation first announced on 13 May 2025 and will continue to offer its full cooperation.
“The University continues to be focused on the delivery of excellent teaching and learning to students in accordance with its mission – the operation of the institution continues as normal.”
