An Australian billionaire has launched a criminal case against Facebook, alleging the tech giant failed to prevent scam ads that used his image
Aussie billionaire Andrew Forrest argues Facebook breached Australian anti-money laundering laws over the spread of cryptocurrency cons.
The Australian mining magnate is pursuing criminal proceedings against Facebook alleging the social media giant breached anti-money laundering laws by failing to stop scam advertisements that had been using his image.
Those scam ads allegedly used Forrest’s picture, and also used the pictures of other celebrities, to promote cryptocurrency investment schemes. The scams have appeared on Facebook since March 2019.
Forrest, who is the chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, claims Facebook failed to have sufficient controls or systems in place to stop the site from being used to perpetuate the scams.
The lawsuit will be heard initially in the Western Australia Magistrates’ Court on March 28.
It’s understood to be the first time Facebook has faced criminal charges anywhere in the world.
A separate civil lawsuit in California has also been filed.
