Police are investigating an allegation of embezzlement at City of Glasgow College, Tes can reveal.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed an investigation was ongoing and “enquiries are at an early stage”. The college, one of the largest in the UK, said a member of staff had been suspended while an internal investigation was underway.
A college spokeswoman added: “As Police Scotland is also involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
College funding: Colleges face ‘widening’ income gap
Fraud investigation: Exclusive: Fraud probe provider operating under new name
FE targeted: Former top footballers jailed for £5 million fraud targeting FE colleges
Allegation of embezzlement
No further details about the allegations have been confirmed. City of Glasgow College is one of three colleges in the city -- all three governed by Glasgow Colleges Regional Board. In a report to the board’s audit committee from the assigned colleges’ audit committee, a section headed “City of Glasgow College” says: “The principal reported to the committee on a matter which is currently under the subject of an internal investigation and forensic internal audit, and which has also been reported to the police.
“The circumstances of this case emerged as a consequence of internal review and reportage. All relevant parties have been informed.”
The Scottish Funding Council said it was also aware of the allegations. “SFC is aware of a serious fraud allegation at City of Glasgow College, which is being investigated by Police Scotland,” it added.
A spokesman said: “The college and the Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board are keeping us fully appraised of the situation and in doing so are meeting the terms and conditions of our financial memorandum. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. However, as a police investigation is ongoing it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police are currently investigating an allegation of embezzlement and enquiries are at a very early stage.”
