London bikes sponsored by Barclays at a docking station in...

London bikes sponsored by Barclays at a docking station in London on Monday. Barclays' chairman announced his resignation the same day. (July 2, 2012) Credit: AP

Britain's Serious Fraud Office says it has formally opened a criminal investigation of Barclays' manipulation of a key market interest rate.

The agency said Friday that it was uncertain whether the investigation would result in charges.

Barclays was fined $435 million last week by U.S. and British agencies for making false reports of its borrowing costs between 2005 and 2009.

This week, Bob Diamond resigned as chief executive of the bank and chairman Marcus Agius announced his intention to leave as soon a replacement has been appointed.

Driver, 19, killed in Bay shore crash ... SCPD to hold vehicle auction ... FeedMe: Viral chip bag sandwich Credit: Newsday

$2.9M settlement over fatal LIRR crash ... Driver, 19, killed in SUV crash ... Protecting the LI Sound ... Billy Joel's agent joining hall of fame

Driver, 19, killed in Bay shore crash ... SCPD to hold vehicle auction ... FeedMe: Viral chip bag sandwich Credit: Newsday

$2.9M settlement over fatal LIRR crash ... Driver, 19, killed in SUV crash ... Protecting the LI Sound ... Billy Joel's agent joining hall of fame

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME