According to a report from Crypto News, attorneys in the ongoing litigation between mining billionaire Andrew Forrest and Facebook’s parent company Meta say that Meta’s request for more case documents is “oppressive,” “an abuse of process,” and “goes against client privileges.”
Forrest is suing Meta over a plethora of scam cryptocurrency advertisements utilizing his likeness that were present on Facebook in 2019. Forrest initiated legal action in February 2022 and also alleged that Meta broke anti-money laundering laws.
As reported by WAtoday, Forrest’s lawyer Rachel Young 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 went on further to state, “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.”
Documents sought by Meta include personal emails with Forrest’s legal counsel and expert witnesses, reports citing the use of Forrest’s name in third-party advertisements, and discussions of 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.”
Young requested the cancellation of Meta’s July summons and asked that Meta’s request for documents used in similar court proceedings in the US and Ireland be canceled as well.
Virgin Media owner Richard Branson is also pursuing legal recourse by way of attorney in regards to social media companies giving a platform to crypto scams using his name. He previously discussed the matter with Meta’s chief operating officer.
Crypto scams like these have tremendously negative impact on those unfortunate enough to believe in the advertised false claims. One woman lost £40,000 ($50,800 USD) in a bitcoin investment scam bearing the likeness of a prominent financial guru in the UK. Another victim landed herself in £150,000 ($190,000 USD) of debt after falling for a similar crypto scam using the same guru.
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