Features
Update: Manchester Fraud
A report of a fraud investigation into SMG Europe and Manchester Arena is tied to an internal embezzlement case, an SMG corporate counsel told Amplify.
“Internal controls picked up a potential embezzlement” by an employee last year, Bruce Hanson said.
“SMG is not being investigated,” he said, adding that police are looking into a possible crime against SMG.
Manchester Evening News broke the story a few weeks ago, with Greater Manchester Police providing the statement: “On 15 October 2014, police received an allegation of fraud. An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing,”
No arrests have been made. SMG Europe, which is based in Manchester, operates more than 230 venues.
The arena, last known as the Phones 4U Arena, is undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment, which will include ripping out and replacing seating and adding striking digital signage along the bridge between Victoria Station and the City Room entrance.