Police have carried out searches at eight addresses in south Wales and Kent as part of a “complex” investigation into alleged bribery offences following a complaint by Swansea University.

Officers from the regional organised crime unit seized documents and electronic equipment during the raids, which police said related to a complaint to the Serious Fraud Office made by the university in late 2018.

A statement from South Wales police said: “Officers from Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales, have this morning executed a number of warrants as part of an investigation into alleged bribery offences.

“Eight addresses in Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Kent are being searched with the assistance of colleagues from South Wales, Dyfed-Powys and Kent police forces. The enforcement action was carried out in relation to a complaint made by Swansea University to the Serious Fraud Office in late 2018, which was subsequently referred to police.

“No arrests have been made during the searches, however a number of documents and electronic equipment have been seized. The investigation is complex and remains ongoing.”

A university spokeswoman confirmed a formal criminal complaint had been made about the conduct of a number of individuals from both inside and outside the university, as a result of evidence uncovered during an internal investigation.

“In accordance with the university’s ordinances, four employees were suspended and the university appointed an external and independent barrister to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged conduct.”

Last week the university dismissed the vice-chancellor Richard Davies and the dean of the school of management Marc Clement with immediate effect for gross misconduct, following a lengthy internal investigation and disciplinary process. Both deny any wrongdoing and have said they will appeal.

A decision is still pending on a third employee who has been the subject of a disciplinary investigation, while a fourth has resigned. It was not clear which – if any – of the employees suspended or dismissed are being investigated by the police.

“As the university has not completed its disciplinary process, it would not be appropriate to comment further,” the university spokeswoman said. “We continue to cooperate with the authorities in relation to this matter.”

Davies, who was suspended eight months ago, issued a statement last week expressing disbelief at his dismissal, which he described as unjust. “Swansea University has been my life for the past 16 years and I have served the university to the best of my ability with honour and integrity throughout.

“I will be appealing this decision and will thereafter take such formal action as is open to me to clear my name and seek to restore the reputation that individuals within the university have sought to tarnish.”

Clement said: “I am both devastated and immensely saddened by the news of my dismissal as dean of the school of management at Swansea University. I feel wholly let down by the institution I have strived so hard to support and progress over the last decade.”