British tech tycoon: I only got justice because I'm rich

Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur acquitted in June of fraud charges related to the sale of his company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, stated that his wealth played a crucial role in securing his justice. Facing 17 charges that could have led to a 20-year prison sentence, Lynch emphasized that he was able to afford the substantial legal fees necessary to defend himself, a privilege not available to most individuals. He criticized the legal system, arguing that it should not require significant financial resources for a British citizen to protect themselves. Lynch co-founded Autonomy in 1996, which became a leading tech firm before its controversial $11 billion acquisition by HP in 2011. Following the acquisition, HP alleged that Lynch had inflated Autonomy's value, leading to a significant write-down and subsequent legal battles. After being extradited to the US in 2022, Lynch was acquitted, asserting he was not involved in the alleged fraudulent activities. He expressed concerns about the UK government's extradition policies, suggesting they inadequately protect citizens from foreign legal systems. Lynch's legal troubles are not over, as HP continues to pursue a civil fraud case against him. Now acquitted, he aims to return to his tech career, focusing on innovations in artificial intelligence and solutions for hearing loss.