Man charged after £900k went missing at council

A former council employee been charged with fraud over claims that £900,000 went missing from the authority's accounts.

Richard Shaw, 46, is alleged to have committed the offences over an eight year period while working at Bolton Council.

Greater Manchester Police's economic fraud unit began an investigation after cash from the council's adult services budget could not be accounted for.

The local authority said anyone who lost out financially had been fully refunded.

Mr Shaw, of Harrier Close, Bolton, has been charged with fraud by abuse of position. The offences are alleged to have been committed between February 2015 and April 2023.

Det Sgt Daniel Sanchez said: "We have worked carefully through all information and evidence, from which we have now secured a charge.

"Our team have remained in close contact with the local authority, who have assisted us throughout this process.

"As this case moves to a next level of proceedings, we continue to work with all appropriate partners and the Crown Prosecution Service."

Bolton Council said: "The council notes that the former employee has now been charged and will be subject to court proceedings.

"Any identified financial losses for individuals have been refunded by the council in full.

"We will always proactively seek to deter, prevent and detect any instances of fraud and corruption, with police referrals made where appropriate in accordance with council policy."

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