Key Points
- A former Bolton Council employee has been charged with fraud after £900,000 was reported missing from the authority’s accounts.
- The accused, Richard Shaw, 46, allegedly committed the offences over an eight-year period while working in the council’s adult services department.
- The economic fraud unit of Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after financial discrepancies were discovered.
- Bolton Council dismissed the employee and contacted the police following its own internal investigation.
- The council has reimbursed all individuals who suffered financial losses as a result of the alleged fraud.
- Detective Sergeant Daniel Sanchez of Greater Manchester Police confirmed the charge and praised the close cooperation with the council during the investigation.
- The accused, Richard Shaw, is due to appear in court on charges of fraud by abuse of position.
- Bolton Council reaffirmed its commitment to deterring, preventing, and identifying fraud and corruption, and to making police referrals as necessary.
- The story has been widely reported by the BBC, The Bolton News, and other regional and national outlets.
A former employee of Bolton Council has been charged with fraud after £900,000 went missing from the council’s accounts, prompting a major investigation by both the local authority and Greater Manchester Police. The council has confirmed that all affected individuals have been reimbursed, and the accused, Richard Shaw, is set to face court proceedings.
What Led to the Fraud Investigation at Bolton Council?
As reported by BBC News, the case began when Bolton Council discovered significant discrepancies in its adult services budget. According to BBC News,
“A previous council worker has been accused of fraud following allegations that £900,000 has gone missing from the local authority's financial records. Richard Shaw, aged 46, is said to have engaged in these illicit activities over an eight-year span while employed at Bolton Council”.
The council’s internal monitoring processes flagged irregularities, leading to a referral to the economic fraud unit of Greater Manchester Police. The police then launched a thorough investigation into the missing funds.
Who Is the Accused and What Are the Charges?
The BBC’s coverage specifies that the accused is Richard Shaw, a 46-year-old former employee of Bolton Council who worked in the adult services department2. The charges relate to alleged fraudulent activity spanning from February 2015 to February 2023.
As stated by BBC News,
“Mr. Shaw, residing on Harrier Close in Bolton, faces charges of fraud through the misuse of his position. The alleged offences took place between February 2015 and February 2023”.
How Did the Council and Police Respond?
Bolton Council acted swiftly upon discovering the missing funds. As reported by BBC News,
“Bolton Council said an employee was dismissed and police were contacted following an investigation”.
The council confirmed that it had fully reimbursed all individuals who experienced financial losses due to the alleged fraud.
In a statement attributed to Bolton Council and reported by the BBC, the authority said:
“The council acknowledges that the former employee has been charged and will face court proceedings. Any financial losses identified for individuals have been fully reimbursed by the council. We are committed to proactively deterring, preventing, and identifying any fraud and corruption, making police referrals as necessary in line with council policy”.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Sanchez of Greater Manchester Police, quoted by BBC News, commented:
“We have meticulously reviewed all information and evidence, which has led us to secure a charge. Our team has maintained close communication with the local authority, who have supported us throughout this investigation. As this case progresses to the next phase of legal proceedings, we will continue collaborating with all relevant partners and the Crown Prosecution Service”.
What Has Been the Public and Political Reaction?
The story has generated significant public interest and concern, as highlighted by coverage in The Bolton News and on social media platforms. According to a post by The Bolton News, “Ex-Bolton Council employee charged with 'fraud and malpractice' offences”. The news has prompted questions about financial oversight and accountability at local government level.
On social media, users have expressed frustration and concern about the scale of the alleged fraud and the length of time it went undetected. As noted by CraiginEngland on X (formerly Twitter),
“'Frustration' at £900K Bolton Council fraud investigation”.
What Measures Has Bolton Council Taken to Prevent Future Fraud?
Bolton Council has emphasised its commitment to robust anti-fraud measures. In its official statement, the council said it is
“committed to proactively deterring, preventing, and identifying any fraud and corruption, making police referrals as necessary in line with council policy”.
The council’s procedures for dealing with allegations against employees in positions of trust are outlined in its safeguarding policies, which stress the importance of immediate action, risk assessment, and thorough investigation in such cases.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process?
Richard Shaw is expected to appear in court to face charges of fraud by abuse of position. The legal proceedings will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and the substantial sums involved.
As reported by BBC News,
“As this case progresses to the next phase of legal proceedings, we will continue collaborating with all relevant partners and the Crown Prosecution Service”.
How Has the Media Covered the Story?
The case has been widely reported by regional and national media. BBC News has provided detailed coverage, including statements from the council and police. The Bolton News has also reported on the charges and the background to the investigation. Social media commentary has amplified public reaction and scrutiny.
What Support Is Available for Those Affected?
Bolton Council has stated that all individuals who suffered financial losses as a result of the alleged fraud have been fully reimbursed. The council also offers support and advice for residents facing financial difficulties, including access to welfare rights and crisis grants.