December 13th 2023.
Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former global diversity executive at parent company Meta's Facebook, has been charged with stealing over $4 million from the company. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan made the announcement, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
The FBI is currently investigating the Atlanta native for the elaborate scheme involving falsified vendor information, fake charges, and cash kickbacks.
“This defendant abused a position of trust as a global diversity executive for Facebook to defraud the company of millions of dollars,” said Buchanan. “Furlow-Smiles ignored the insidious consequences of undermining the importance of her DEI mission, motivated by greed instead of hard and honest work.”
Furlow-Smiles submitted fake expense reports to Facebook, to cover up her distribution of company funds to family, friends, and relatives who never provided any services. The Department of Justice reports that she linked her Facebook-issued credit cards to PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App accounts to send money to her loved ones.
In addition, Furlow-Smiles encouraged the company to bring on vendors she was personally related to. After approving hefty contracts and invoices, she demanded a portion of the money be returned to her. The DOJ also alleges that Furlow-Smiles procured a $10,000 payment to an artist for portraits and $18,000 for preschool tuition.
“Furlow-Smiles used lies and deceit to defraud both vendors and Facebook employees,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is committed to holding those who commit fraud accountable.”
Furlow-Smiles is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2024. This case serves as an important reminder to be vigilant about scams and fraud on Facebook.
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