Holper operated under various websites including “Instagram.by” and “Nakrutka.cc.” The Nakruta website encouraged users to “cheat Instagram.”
Holper’s sites allowed users to purchase followers, likes, comments, and views for about $17 a transaction.
Nakrutka, “used a network of bots and automation software to distribute fake likes, comments, views, and followers on Instagram,” according to the Facebook statement.
“He used different websites to sell fake engagement services to Instagram users. We previously disabled accounts associated with Holper and his service, formally warned him that he was in violation of our Terms, and sent a cease and desist letter,” the statement added.
Facebook is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Holper interacting with Facebook and Instagram again. They also request compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages for trademark infringement and $100,000 in statutory damages for infringing on the domain name.
The social media company says this is the first time it has pursued a lawsuit against a U.K. app developer. It is also seeking an audit of the company’s systems to see what data was accessed and what payments were made and received by developers.
