Tesco bounces Czech bailiffs

Court bailiffs tried to seize goods at a Tesco supermarket in Prague, the Czech capital, to settle what was claimed to be a large debt, but were stopped by security guards and police.

The bailiffs arrived at the supermarket yesterday and tried to seize goods to settle a businessman’s claim the company owed him €2.5m, said Eva Williams, a spokeswoman for Tesco Stores Czech Republic.

“The seizure was ordered by a Prague judge, but some four hours later, the same judge notified us he cancelled the ruling because he had been mislead,” Williams said, adding the company did not owe the man any money.

Police and security guards ordered the bailiffs to leave the store, located on the outskirts of Prague.

Williams said Tesco had filed a criminal complaint for fraud against those who were behind the attempt.