The arrests involved two men, both in their 60s, and a woman in her 50s.
The two men were also arrested on suspicion of fraud, while one was additionally arrested on suspicion of bribery.
The arrests mark the latest development in a long-running investigation which has already seen senior university figures suspended and a separate higher education regulator launch its own inquiry.
Police say they are exploring evidence indicating over £1million’s worth of fraudulent activity. As part of their enquiries, we’re probing around 60 transactions and investigating more than a million emails.
Our investigation team is working closely with the Crown Prosecution (CPS)’s Serious Economic Crime team.
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, GMP’s lead 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. This 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 focussing 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 CPS 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.”
An investigation into alleged “fraud and bribery”, the suspension of senior university figures and a separate regulator inquiry have placed the University of Greater Manchester under intense scrutiny over the past year.
Police are looking to work with the Office for Students, and are working with the University of GM to encourage any staff or representatives to provide any information that may assist with enquiries.
(Image: University of Greater Manchester)
The institution, formerly known as the University of Bolton, has faced a series of developments since allegations surrounding its governance and financial affairs first emerged in 2025.
In May 2025, the university announced that vice-chancellor Professor George E Holmes, provost Zubair Hanslot and another senior member of academic staff had been suspended following what it described as “serious allegations”.
The university said the suspensions were a precautionary measure and did not imply any assumption of guilt.
The move followed an investigation by PricewaterhouseCoopers into allegations which had surfaced publicly earlier in the year.
Dr Greg Walker, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic), was appointed acting vice chancellor and interim accountable officer while internal procedures got under way.
Later, Greater Manchester Police confirmed it had launched a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud and bribery at the university.
The force said its investigation began after receiving allegations from online publication The Manchester Mill and following a report produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the university’s Fraud Response Panel.
In July 2025, detectives searched seven properties across Greater Manchester and the south of England as part of the inquiry.
At the time, police said no arrests had been made and described the investigation as being in its early stages, adding that officers expected it to be complex and lengthy.
In December 2025, the Office for Students opened a separate investigation into the university.
The higher education regulator said it would examine whether the University of Greater Manchester had adequate and effective management and governance arrangements in place and whether it had complied with its conditions of registration.
The Office for Students previously stressed that opening an investigation did not mean any wrongdoing or non compliance had been found.
The regulator also confirmed it would cooperate with Greater Manchester Police while carrying out its own independent investigation.
Throughout the process, the university has said it is committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability and that it will cooperate fully with both investigations.
It has also repeatedly said its day to day operations have continued as normal and that its internal procedures remain ongoing.
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