Federal prosecutors have said that a former diversity manager who was working at Facebook stole more than $4 million from the company. She was the lead of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at Facebook. She used the money from the company to pay for a lavish lifestyle in California and Georgia. She worked for about five years at the social media site and siphoned money using different schemes. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Barbara Furlow-Smiles was the lead strategist for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs at Facebook. She was a strategist at the company from 2017 through the middle of 2021—from approximately January 2017 to September 2021. She stole $4 million during this time in schemes involving friends, relatives, associates, and others.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office released a statement that said that Furlow-Smiles stole the money from Facebook “through an elaborate scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fictitious charges, and cash kickbacks.”
The press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia, detailed the elaborate scheme used by Furlow-Smiles to enrich herself.
Barbara Furlow-Smiles’ position as Lead Strategist and Global Head of Employee Resource Groups and Diversity Engagement at Facebook enabled her to use company credit cards. She was also authorized to submit purchase requisitions. She was also able to provide approval for invoices for authorized vendors of the company.
The 38-year-old lead strategist misused these authorizations to defraud Facebook. She used Facebook to make payments to vendors who provided her with a small kickback. She also made payments using Facebook to benefit others who did not pay her kickbacks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Meta, which is the parent company of Facebook, provided assistance and cooperation to the authorities during the investigation.
The press release said that Barbara Furlow-Smiles was scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg on March 19, 2024, for sentencing.
Celebrity WEB Update— Premier Jewelry designer and manufacturer fashion house ParisJewelry.com has started manufacturing a new custom line of celebrity jewelry designs with 30% Off and Free Shipping. Replenish Your Body- Refilter Your Health with OrganicGreek.com Vitamin Bottles, Vitamins, and Herbs. Become a WebFans Creator and Influencer. Check the New Special XMicro Razors for Men & Women, 1 Razor, 7 Blade Refills with German Stainless Steel, Lubricated with Vitamin E for Smooth Shave, Shields Against Irritation, Version X Men|Women
