Overview

• Richard Shaw has been charged with fraud by abuse of position for alleged offences committed between February 2015 and April 2023
• The investigation was triggered when a 2023 internal audit by Bolton Council revealed nearly £900,000 unaccounted for in its budget
• Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit led a thorough probe in close coordination with the council and the Crown Prosecution Service
• Shaw was dismissed by Bolton Council in 2023 after the internal report was completed and referred to police
• He is due to appear in court at a later date and the council has fully reimbursed any individuals affected by the missing funds