Extradited British tech mogul Mike Lynch has told allies his fight is “far from over” weeks after appearing in US court for the first time.
Sky News saw a note from Mr Lynch to allies and supporters in which he accused the administration of overturning the agreement on the conditions of his bail and reflected on the “huge loss”. ‘ that his decades-long legal journey has taken a toll on him and his family.
Mr. Lynch is flew to California last week faces fraud charges after losing a protracted UK battle against his extradition.
The billionaire founder of Autonomy, the software company, has been embroiled in numerous legal battles since selling $11 billion in 2011 to Hewlett Packard.
Last week’s trial saw Mr Lynch ordered to pay $100 million bail to secure his release after Judge Charles Breyer said he was at “serious” absconding risk. and substantial”.
In his note to supporters, sent earlier this week, he reiterated his belief that his case should be heard in the UK – where Autonomy is headquartered, listed and audited. maths.
“I believe extradition is not a conviction and the battle is far from over,” he wrote.
“While there is always the possibility that I will find myself on the West Coast, I cannot imagine the circumstances.
“I was taken from my home at dawn last Thursday and driven by Met Police officers to Heathrow, where I was assigned to the US Federal Police.
“While I can’t fault the courtesy of those involved, they were very helpful and understanding, the fact of the matter is that since that time my phone and laptop have been stolen. gone and I was handcuffed the whole time. flight and transfer to court.”
Mr. Lynch said his potential bail conditions were negotiated long before he was extradited.
“This ended up being relatively satisfactory, allowing me the freedom to move around the city and see friends, and most importantly, to see my attorney on the East Coast,” he wrote.
“When I got to the court, to the surprise of most of those involved, that arrangement had changed.
“Puted under much stricter bail conditions, I spent my first night in detention before moving to temporary accommodation where I was not allowed to leave other than to see my lawyer locally. .
“This is the reality of extradition to the US, and one that any British businessman can face.”
Mr Lynch’s extradition has sparked protests from allies in the British business community as well as a number of senior politicians, including Conservative MP David Davis.
They argued that the treatment of the founder of Autonomy represented an abuse of the extradition treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States, and argued that it was a win-win for the Americans.
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Mr Lynch also referred to an ongoing civil lawsuit in the UK against him, which he claims could end in a way that determines his extradition “may be premature”.
“As I wait, constrained, for the next legal hearing, I have certainly reflected on the events of the decade since HP first brought its allegations.
“The pressure of being in a big battle like this has taken a huge toll on me and my family, and the only blessing is the warm friendship and support you all have given me. for us, for which we are forever grateful.
He added that “his family’s ordeal was not easier than mine and it is because of them that I continue to fight”.
A spokesman for Mr. Lynch declined to comment further.