Investigation into alleged ‘fraud and bribery’ at university after police searches

Police today, Friday, confirmed that on the morning of Wednesday, July 16 they executed six warrants to search seven properties across Greater Manchester and the south of England.

No arrests have been made but police have confirmed that officers from Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) major incident team have now begun to lead an investigation into suspected fraud and bribery.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, Greater Manchester’s lead for crime, intelligence and forensics, said: “These are the very initial stages of what is set to be a complex and lengthy investigation into serious allegations of fraud and bribery at the University of Greater Manchester.

“Officers have taken action this week to begin gathering available evidence at seven properties we believe are of relevance to our enquiries.

The institution was known as the University of Bolton until last December (Image: University of Greater Manchester) “I know there may be concerns from the thousands of people who study and work at the University of Greater Manchester.

“The university will continue to receive relevant updates, and we are working with them to encourage anyone with information to contact police.

“Extensive work will continue to ensure all relevant parties are spoken to as part of our investigation, so that all necessary action can be taken in relation to any suspected criminality.”

Police say their initial enquiries into alleged financial irregularities at the Deane Road institution, known as the University of Bolton until its name change last December, continues.

Officers confirmed these enquiries were underway last May.

That same month the university announced that Vice Chancellor Professor George E Holmes, the Provost Zubair Hanslot and another senior member of staff had been suspended.

The university said at the time the suspensions were a “precautionary measure and do not imply any assumption of guilt.”

The warrants this week were carried out to allow detectives to gather as much evidence as possible as part of their initial enquiries.

The force says it began investigating after receiving allegations from online outlet The Manchester Mill.

This was also after a subsequent report from Price Waterhouse Cooper commissioned by the university’s Fraud Response Panel.

They say they are engaging with the Office for Students and are in contact with the university to encourage any staff or representatives to provide any information that may assist.

A university spokesperson said: “As there is currently an internal university process and external criminal investigation underway, we are unable to comment or provide any further information at this time.

“We continue to provide any assistance the police require as part of their enquiries and are keeping colleagues  and students at the university updated as and when we are able to.”

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Bolton West MP Phil Brickell, who has previously raised the matter in Parliament, said he wanted to thank the police for their work.

He said: “Since my election I’ve been calling for greater financial transparency at the University of Greater Manchester, formerly Bolton, in order to ensure it is best serving the interests of our community.

“Having dedicated my working life to tackling financial crime, I’ve previously liaised with Greater Manchester Police, the university’s auditors and a number of whistleblowers around serious allegations brought to my attention involving financial irregularities at the university.

“Today, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they have executed a number of search warrants in Bolton and further afield as part of their investigation into suspected fraud and bribery.

“This is a significant development and a concern for the university’s students, employees and everyone across Bolton who should instead be focusing on the immense achievements of students graduating this week.

“Investigations such as these are complex and lengthy, but I want to take this opportunity to thank Greater Manchester Police for their work.

“This remains a live police investigation and I will not be commenting further at this time.”

Source – INDIA TV