BOLTON — Greater Manchester Police arrested three individuals on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation into financial crimes involving the University of Greater Manchester. The arrests occurred after police executed warrants at two addresses in Bolton and three additional addresses across Lancashire, Humberside, and West Yorkshire.

Two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s were arrested. All three were apprehended on suspicion of money laundering. Both men face additional suspicion of fraud, while one man was also arrested on suspicion of bribery. The ongoing investigation is exploring evidence of more than £1 million in fraudulent activity, encompassing 60 transactions and over one million emails.

Rick Jackson, Assistant Chief Constable for Crime, Intelligence and Forensics, said: "This is a key development in this significant and complex investigation which is seeing our detectives conduct painstaking work." He added: "The investigation has become an even more complex picture since the allegations were first brought to our attention a year ago."

Phil Brickell, Member of Parliament for Bolton West, said: "Bolton needs a strong university with good governance working in the town's best interests, which can command the confidence of my constituents, of students and of staff." He stated he would continue to communicate with officials: "I'll continue to liaise with the university, the Office for Students and the Department for Education as the investigation continues."

The University of Greater Manchester, formerly known as the University of Bolton, has a student body of nearly 11,000. Greater Manchester Police began investigating allegations of financial irregularities involving the university in May 2024. In July 2024, detectives searched seven properties in Greater Manchester and the south of England to seize evidence. The Office for Students formally announced its own investigation into the university's management and governance in December 2024.

The Mill newspaper initiated a series of investigations into the university in February 2025. The newspaper reported that the alleged offenses occurred between 2014 and 2025. It also reported that university funds were allegedly used for private purposes, including the purchase of a heated dog kennel.