3 former Tesco executives have been charged with fraud after an investigation

LONDON - British retailer Tesco said on Friday it had introduced an "extensive programme of change" following news that the Serious Fraud Office had charged three senior former executives at the firm.

On Friday, the SFO it had charged Carl Rogberg, Christopher Bush and John Scouler with fraud by abuse of position over an investigation into accounting practices that started in 2014.

"We note the decision of the SFO to bring a prosecution against former colleagues in relation to historic issues and acknowledge the investigation into the company is ongoing," Tesco said in a statement.

"Tesco continues to cooperate with the SFO's investigation. The last two years have seen an extensive programme of change at Tesco, but given this is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable to provide any further comment at this time."

The Serious Fraud office said in an emailed statement earlier on Friday:

"The SFO today charged three individuals, Carl Rogberg, 49, Christopher Bush, 50, and John Scouler, 48, with one count of Fraud by Abuse of Position, contrary to section 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006 and one count of False Accounting contrary to s17 Theft Act 1968.

"The alleged activity occurred between February 2014 and September 2014.

"The above-named individuals have been requisitioned to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 22 September 2016.

"The investigation into Tesco PLC remains ongoing."

(Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by Michael Holden)