Introduction
A former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) manager at Facebook, Barbara Furlow-Smiles, has pleaded guilty to embezzling millions of dollars from the company. Furlow-Smiles, who led DEI initiatives at Facebook from 2017 to 2021, was involved in a kickback scheme that included recruiting former interns, babysitters, and even a hair stylist. Federal prosecutors have announced this week that Furlow-Smiles diverted over $4 million from Facebook by using payment apps linked to her Facebook credit card and submitting false expense reports.
Fraudulent Scheme
According to court documents viewed by Business Insider, Furlow-Smiles knowingly devised a scheme to defraud Facebook and obtain money and property through false pretenses and representations. She would submit false expense reports and have the "vendors" reimburse her in cash or by transferring funds to her husband's account. The attorneys involved in the case revealed that associates would pay cash kickbacks in person or through mail, sometimes hiding the cash in other items like T-shirts.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
A spokesperson from Meta, the new name for Facebook, stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement regarding this former program manager's case. It is clear that the company is taking the matter seriously and will continue to support the investigation.
Exploiting Position for Personal Gain
Prosecutors mentioned in court documents that Furlow-Smiles used her position at Facebook to onboard vendors who were owned by her friends and associates. She would then inflate the expense reports, claiming that these vendors provided goods and services for various programs and events, when in reality, they did not. Friends, relatives, former interns, babysitters, a hair stylist, and even her college tutor were involved in her fraudulent scheme.
Consequences and Sentencing
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed his disappointment in Furlow-Smiles' actions, stating that she abused her position of trust as a global diversity executive and undermined the importance of her DEI mission. He emphasized that her motivation was greed, as she orchestrated an elaborate criminal scheme to fund a lavish lifestyle through fraud. Furlow-Smiles is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2024.
Conclusion
The case of Barbara Furlow-Smiles, the former Facebook DEI manager, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences individuals face when they exploit their positions for personal gain. It highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and ethical conduct in all professional roles, especially those entrusted with promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The cooperation between Meta and law enforcement demonstrates the commitment to addressing such misconduct and upholding accountability within the company.—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: psquire@insider.com (Paul Squire,Lloyd Lee)
Title: Former Facebook Diversity Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Millions
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/facebook-meta-dei-executive-barbara-furlow-smiles-pleads-guilty-embezzling-2023-12
Published Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 20:28:43 +0000
Related posts:
According to reports, the Twitter manager Elon Musk admired for embodying his ‘hardcore” work culture was laid off. She stated that she had no regrets about going all-in on Twitter 2.0.
Elon Musk might lose control of Tesla as the stock price continues to tumble, according to an ex-Facebook Security chief
Twitter ends ‘free’ promotion of Facebook, Instagram and more
Cathie Wood and ARK Invest snatched up $88 Million in Tesla stock during the 4th quarter of the famous money manager’s dip-buying spree
Leave a Reply