A former global diversity executive at Meta (formerly Facebook) has pleaded guilty to defrauding the company of over $4 million to fund her luxury lifestyle.
The 38 year old former employee, Barbara Furlow-Smiles, worked as head of employee resource groups and diversity engagement at Meta’s California headquarters from 2017 to 2021. She admitted to stealing millions through an elaborate kickback scheme involving fake vendors, falsified invoices, personal credit cards and cash payoffs.
The prosecutors in-charge of the case detailed how Furlow-Smiles exploited her position and trust to cheat the system. They claimed she routed company payments to friends disguised as services never actually rendered. They would then return portions of the money to Furlow-Smiles directly or to her husband.
According to investigators, over 4 years, the scheme enabled Furlow-Smiles to bankroll expensive hair stylists in California, private school tuition, personal portraits and other lavish expenses.
“She ignored the consequences of undermining her important diversity mission based on greed and deceit,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan, said.
The admission of guilt comes after Meta uncovered suspicious activity last year and aided federal officials with ensuing inquiries. Furlow-Smiles was indicted in November 2022 on multiple federal fraud charges.
Her plea deal means Furlow-Smiles now faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines when sentenced on March 19th, 2024.
The high-profile fraud case further further shows the accountability risks that tech giants like Meta, as well as tech startups, go through in the hands of employees with dirt bags.