According to sources speaking to CNN, the late British tech mogul Mike Lynch’s yacht is believed to harbor sensitive information that could attract the interest of foreign governments such as Russia and China.
Italian divers investigating the shipwreck have requested increased security at the site, as prosecutors looking into the tragic incident are worried about potential data linked to Western intelligence services being on board the vessel.
The divers who examined the Bayesian yacht using remotely operated cameras suspect that two watertight safes onboard may contain super-encrypted hard drives with highly classified information, including passcodes and other sensitive data.
Lynch had connections to British, U.S., and other spy agencies through his companies, including cybersecurity firm Darktrace. His wife also served as an advisor on science, technology, and cybersecurity to former British prime ministers.
Authorities have implemented additional security measures for the wreckage until it can be salvaged, as requested by the Sicilian Civil Protection Agency.
The Bayesian sank off the coast of Italy last month during a violent storm, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including Lynch and his daughter.
An investigation is underway to determine why the yacht went down so quickly compared to other boats in the same storm. Prosecutors in Italy have launched an inquiry into the accident, alleging multiple counts of culpable homicide.
Meanwhile, the sale of Darktrace to a private equity firm is progressing. Thoma Bravo agreed to acquire Darktrace for $5.3 billion, with shareholders approving the deal in June and completion expected by the end of the year.
Poppy Gustafsson stepped down as Darktrace CEO earlier this month, with Jill Popelka taking over as COO. Lynch was an early investor in Darktrace through his venture capital fund and held a 3% stake in the company at the time of his death.
In addition, Hewlett-Packard continues to seek $4 billion from Lynch’s family, alleging fraud related to the Autonomy purchase. Lynch was acquitted in a U.S. criminal fraud trial but faces a civil case in the U.K.
Data Sheet: Stay informed about the tech industry’s key players with insightful analysis.
Sign up here.
