Lawyer: Andrew Forrest Warned Father of Crypto Scam Using His Image

An account from the personal lawyer of Australian mining executive Andrew Forrest states that in 2019, Forrest warned his father that an online cryptocurrency investment scheme using Forrest's image in advertisements was fraudulent.

The 2019 Phone Call

According to Simon Clarke, Forrest's personal lawyer who stated he was present during the call, Forrest was speaking with his father by phone in 2019. During the conversation, Forrest's father asked why his son appeared to be promoting online cryptocurrency investment schemes in video advertisements on the social media platform Facebook.

Forrest's Reported Response

Clarke stated he observed Forrest's reaction to the question. According to Clarke's account, Forrest told his father the scheme was fraudulent and advised against any investment.

Clarke reported hearing Forrest say, "Dad, it's a fraud. Don't let him do it."

Context of the Advertisements

The video advertisements in question featured Forrest's image. The account indicates the advertisements were used without Forrest's authorization to promote cryptocurrency investment opportunities.

According to the reports, a friend of Forrest's father was considering investing based on seeing one of these advertisements, which prompted the father's inquiry to his son.

Attribution and Background

The description of the event is attributed to Simon Clarke, who identified himself as Forrest's personal lawyer and an eyewitness to the phone call.

Andrew Forrest is the founder of Fortescue Metals Group and a prominent figure in the Australian mining industry.