The U.K. Serious Fraud Office has charged Barclays Bank with unlawful financial assistance contrary to the Companies Act.

The SFO first announced the opening of its investigation in August 2012. The charges relate to financial assistance Barclays Bank gave to Qatar Holding between 1 October and 30 November 2008. Those charges were in the form of a US$3 billion loan for the purpose of directly or indirectly acquiring shares in Barclays.

The latest charges by the SFO follows charges brought in June 2017 against the holding company, Barclays Plc, and four individuals with conspiracy to commit fraud and the provision of unlawful financial assistance contrary to the Companies Act 1985.

The first appearance for Barclays Bank will be held at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 14 February at 10am.

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