Extradited British tech mogul Mike Lynch has told allies his fight “is far from over” weeks after he first appeared in a US court.
Sky News saw a note from Lynch to allies and supporters accusing authorities of overturning an agreement on the terms of his bail and reflected on the “tremendous toll” his decades-long legal travails have taken on him and his family.
Mr. Lynch was flew to California last week facing fraud charges after losing a protracted battle in the UK over his extradition.
The billionaire founder of Autonomy, the software company, has been embroiled in multiple legal battles since his $11 billion 2011 sale to Hewlett Packard.
A court hearing last week saw Mr Lynch ordered to post $100 million bond to secure his release after Judge Charles Breyer said he posed a “serious and substantial absconding risk”.
In his note to supporters, sent earlier this week, he reiterated his belief his case should be tried in the UK, where Autonomy was based, listed and controlled.
“I cling to the fact that extradition is not a conviction, and the battle is far from over,” he wrote.
“While it was always possible that I was on the West Coast, I couldn’t imagine the circumstances.
“I was taken from my home at dawn last Thursday and taken by Met Police officers to Heathrow, where I was handed over to the US Federal Marshalls.
“While I cannot fault the kindness of those involved, they were helpful and understanding, the reality of the situation is that I have since had my phone and laptop taken away and have been placed in handcuffs for the duration of the flight and transfer to court”.
Mr Lynch said the circumstances of his potential bail terms had been negotiated at length before his extradition.
“This concluded in a relatively satisfying way that allowed me the freedom to move around the city and meet friends and, more importantly, travel to see my lawyers on the east coast,” she wrote.
“When I got to court, to the surprise of most involved, the deal changed.
“Placed on much stricter bail, I spent the first night in custody before moving into temporary accommodation from which I am not allowed to leave except to meet with my solicitors locally.
“This is the reality of extradition in the United States, and one that any British businessman could face.”
Lynch’s extradition sparked protests from allies in Britain’s business community and several top politicians, including Conservative MP David Davis.
They have argued that the treatment of the Autonomy founder represents an abuse of the extradition treaty between the UK and the US and have suggested it is one-sided in favor of Americans.
Read more from the business world:
BT to reduce workforce by up to 55,000 by 2030, with AI replacing 10,000 jobs
No evidence that supermarkets are profiting – and here’s why
Mr Lynch also referred to an ongoing UK civil case against him, which he said could end in a way that resulted in his extradition ‘may be premature’.
“As I wait, confined, for the next legal hearing, I’ve inevitably reflected on the events of the decade since HP first made its allegations.
“The pressure of going through a fight of this magnitude takes a huge toll on me and my family, and the only silver lining is the warm friendship and support you have given us, for which we will be eternally grateful.
He added that “his family’s ordeal is no easier than mine and it is for them that I continue to fight.”
A spokesman for Mr Lynch declined to comment further.
