Mike Lynch, the founder of Autonomy, was acquitted of all fraud charges this week in relation to the sale of his company to HP in 2011. The trial in San Francisco saw Lynch cleared of conspiracy and wire fraud counts, sparking discussions on the UK-US extradition treaty’s fairness.
Acquitted: Founder of Autonomy Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch, the founder of software company Autonomy, was acquitted this week of all charges in a high-profile fraud case related to the 2011 sale of his firm to Hewlett Packard (HP). The trial took place in San Francisco, where a jury cleared Lynch of conspiracy and 14 counts of wire fraud. These charges were tied to specific transactions or communications, with Lynch facing a potential 25-year prison sentence if convicted.
The sale of Autonomy to HP was valued at £9 billion. David Davis, a Conservative MP and former shadow home secretary, has shown support for Lynch following the verdict. Both Lynch and Davis have expressed a desire to reform the UK’s extradition treaty with the US, arguing it is disproportionately one-sided and unfair to British citizens. The existing treaty, signed in 2003 during Tony Blair’s tenure, is viewed by critics as being more favorable to the US, particularly in its facilitation of extraditing British nationals.
Lynch, 58, expressed his elation with the jury’s decision, while Davis recalled a conversation with Lynch post-verdict, discussing the need for changes in the extradition laws. The acquittal brings to light ongoing debates about the fairness and functionality of the extradition treaty between the UK and the US.
