The Serious Fraud Office has charged Barclays Plc and four individuals with conspiracy to commit fraud and the provision of unlawful financial assistance contrary to the Companies Act 1985.

The charges relate to Barclays Plc's capital raising arrangements with Qatar Holding LLC and Challenger Universal Ltd, which took place in June and October 2008, and a $3 billion loan facility made available to the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Economy and Finance in November 2008.

The SFO has brought the following charges: Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation in relation to the June 2008 capital raising; Conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation; Unlawful financial assistance.