Barclays and former CEO charged with fraud over 2008 rescue by Qatar

The bank and its former executives have been charged by the U.K.'s Serious Fraud Office with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation over a June 2008 investment made by Qatar's sovereign wealth fund. 

 The executives charged include former CEO John Varley and Roger Jenkins, Barclays' former head of investment banking in the Middle East. The pair also face a second conspiracy to commit fraud charge over an October 2008 deal with a group of Qatari investors. 

Barclays (BCS) said it "awaits further details" of the charges. Shares in the bank declined 0.4% in early trade. 

 A spokesman for the Qatar Investment Authority declined to comment. 

 The defendants will appear in court on July 3.