Carney says Lloyds actions may be criminal conduct

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney speaks at the Commonwealth Games Business Conference in Glasgow, Scotland July 23, 2014.

Credit: Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett

(Reuters) - The governor of the Bank of England has stated that manipulation of fees for a taxpayer-backed lending scheme by Lloyds Banking Group could lead to criminal action against those involved.

"Such manipulation is highly reprehensible, clearly unlawful and may amount to criminal conduct on the part of the individuals involved," Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said in July 15 letter to Lloyds Chairman Norman Blackwell.

Blackwell replied in a July 16 letter, saying the bank shared the Governor's concerns.

"This was truly shocking conduct, undertaken when the bank was on a lifeline of public support," he said.