Trial Begins for Former Autonomy Executives Accused of Fraud in HP Deal

The high-profile case revisits the controversial $11 billion acquisition of Autonomy by Hewlett Packard, spotlighting allegations of financial misconduct.

The criminal trial in San Francisco federal court centers around HP's acquisition of British software maker Autonomy, a deal initially celebrated but later deemed a costly debacle.
Former Autonomy CEO Mike Lynch and VP of finance Stephen Chamberlain face 16 felony counts of fraud and conspiracy, with potential sentences over 20 years if convicted.
Meg Whitman, former HP CEO, played a significant role in the acquisition and its aftermath, including a nearly $9 billion write-off attributed to inflated Autonomy values.
The trial follows a London civil case where a judge sided with HP, although the final damages have yet to be determined.
Autonomy's former CFO, Sushovan Hussain, was previously sentenced to five years in prison for related fraud and conspiracy charges.