Mike Lynch’s Yacht May Hold Sensitive Information of Interest to Foreign Governments
The yacht of the late British tech mogul Mike Lynch is believed to contain sensitive data that could attract the attention of foreign governments such as Russia and China, according to sources.
Concerns Over Security and Classified Information
Italian divers inspecting the wreck have raised concerns about the need for increased security at the site. Prosecutors investigating the fatal accident are worried that the vessel may hold data linked to Western intelligence services.
Divers using remotely operated cameras have identified two watertight safes onboard the yacht, named Bayesian. These safes are thought to contain highly encrypted hard drives with classified information, including passcodes and other sensitive data.
Lynch had connections with British, U.S., and other intelligence agencies through his companies, including the cybersecurity firm Darktrace. His wife also served as an adviser to former British prime ministers on science, technology, and cybersecurity.
“A formal request has been accepted and implemented for additional security of the wreckage until it can be raised,” the Sicilian Civil Protection Agency stated.
Investigation into the Yacht’s Sinking
The Bayesian sank last month off the coast of Italy during a violent storm, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter. Authorities are investigating why the yacht sank so quickly, while other vessels in the area managed to survive the storm.
Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the shipwreck and are considering multiple counts of culpable homicide, equivalent to manslaughter charges.
Darktrace Sale and Leadership Changes
Meanwhile, the sale of Darktrace to a private equity firm specializing in software is progressing. In April, Thoma Bravo agreed to purchase Darktrace for $5.3 billion, and shareholders approved the deal in June. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Earlier this month, Darktrace co-founder and CEO Poppy Gustafsson stepped down and was replaced by COO Jill Popelka. Gustafsson co-founded Darktrace in 2013 alongside a team of mathematicians, entrepreneurs, and intelligence experts. She had previously worked at Lynch’s company Autonomy before its controversial sale to Hewlett-Packard.
Legal Battles Continue
Lynch was an early investor in Darktrace through his venture capital fund, Invoke Capital, and held around 3% of the company at the time of his death.
Additionally, Hewlett-Packard has announced that it will continue to pursue a $4 billion lawsuit against Lynch’s estate. HP accused Lynch of fraud following its $11.7 billion acquisition of Autonomy in 2011. Although Lynch was acquitted in a U.S. criminal fraud trial in June, HP has not dropped its civil case in the U.K.
