Ex-Doncaster College boss arrested again over £1m university fraud probe

A former Doncaster College boss arrested over allegations of a £1 million fraud at a top UK university has reportedly been arrested again - this time for witness intimidation.

Professor George Holmes, former vice chancellor at the Bolton-based University of Greater Manchester, was first held earlier this year.

The Manchester Mill reports that Holmes was arrested again earlier this week this time on suspicion of witness intimidation.

Greater Manchester Police has made a number of arrests in an ongoing investigation into fraud and financial irregularites at the Bolton based university.

Earlier this year, the 65-year-old, who had been in post for 20 years, was sacked from his role as details of the fraud probe emerged.

Three people were arrested in raids at five properties in Bolton, Lancashire, Humberside and one West Yorkshire.

This week, GMP said two more arrests had been made.

Want more stories like this? Click here to get our daily newsletter

A force spokesperson confirmed two men, in their 50s and 60s, were arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and fraud by the abuse of position after raids in Bolton and South Yorkshire.

One of the men was previously arrested on suspicion of money laundering in July, along with another man and a woman.

GMP said it was "exploring evidence indicating over £1m worth of fraudulent activity", including 60 transactions and more than a million emails.

Det Insp Matthew Donnelly said it was a "complex and extensive investigation".

He added: "Any actions that seek to interfere with, influence or undermine the integrity of a police investigation will not be tolerated.

"This is a complex and significant investigation involving serious allegations, and it is essential that witnesses are able to engage with us, and evidence can be gathered without fear, pressure or interference."

In May 2025, Prof Holmes, a former principal at Doncaster College and who was implicated in a financial scandal during his time in the city, was suspended as vice-chancellor of the University following “serious allegations.”

In the early 2000s he was principal of Doncaster College and was tasked with leading the £90m Doncaster Education City project, which aimed to create a university campus in the city and at the time was Britain’s biggest education project.

New governers were later installed at the college after concerns were raised about its finances. after a £1.8 million deficit was reported, coupled with 135 job cuts, with plans for five intended community campuses scrapped.

Amid the crisis, it emerged Prof Holmes had been given a £45,000 BMW with the personalised number plate CEO 4 DEC.