Billionaire’s lawyers oppose Meta’s request for crypto scam documents

Lawyers in the ongoing court battle between mining billionaire Andrew Forrest and Facebook’s parent company Meta say that Meta’s request for further case documents is “oppressive,” “an abuse of process,” and “goes against client privileges.”

The iron ore tycoon is suing Meta over a series of scam cryptocurrency advertisements bearing his likeness that appeared on the site in 2019. Forrest launched legal action in February last year and also claimed that Meta breached anti-money laundering laws.

As reported by WAtoday, Forrest’s lawyer disputed the summons at Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, saying, “The documents sought lack a legitimate forensic purpose and have no relevance to the case.”

She added, “Given how long this has been going on, the length of time this has been ongoing, your honor ought not to make further orders for disclosure.”

Meta wants personal emails

Documents requested by Meta include personal emails with Forrest’s lawyers and expert witnesses, reports detailing the use of Forrest’s name in third-party advertisements, and conversations discussing his overseas litigation funding.

Paul Yovich, representing Meta, said that parties were submitting more evidence despite initially claiming no more relevant documents were needed. He said, “When the prosecutor says there are no further documents to disclose I cannot have complete confidence that is completely accurate.”

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Young requested the cancelation of Meta’s July summons and asked that Meta’s request for documents used in similar court proceedings in the US and Ireland also be canceled.

Virgin Media owner Richard Branson is also said to be sending lawyers to social media companies facilitating crypto scams using his name. He also previously spoke with Meta’s chief operating officer about the promotions.

Crypto scams like these impact those unfortunate enough to believe in the advertised false claims. One woman lost £40,000 ($50,800) in a bitcoin investment scam that used the likeness of a famous financial guru in the UK. Another victim landed herself in £150,000 ($190,000) of debt after falling for a similar crypto scam using the same guru.

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