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Online marketplace giant eBay has been slapped with a $3 million penalty to resolve criminal charges related to an elaborate harassment campaign orchestrated by its employees. A Massachusetts couple, Ina and David Steiner, found themselves at the center of an eBay intimidation campaign that included stalking. They also received live spiders, cockroaches, and other unsettling items sent to their home.

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Criminal Charges

The Justice Department leveled four counts of corporate stalking against eBay, citing two through interstate travel and two through electronic communications services. Additionally, charges of witness tampering and obstruction of justice were brought forth.

This unusual case reveals a dark side of corporate behavior. Seven eBay employees faced felony convictions for their roles in the relentless intimidation campaign.

CEO's Involvement

The harassment intensified after Ina Steiner wrote an article in August 2019 about a lawsuit between eBay and Amazon.

eBay's then-CEO, Devin Wenig, allegedly sent a message expressing a desire to bring down Ina Steiner.

This unsettling directive was shared with James Baugh, eBay's senior director of safety and security, who referred to Ina Steiner as a "biased troll who needs to get BURNED DOWN." 

Subsequently, the Steiners received ominous packages containing live cockroaches, spiders, a Halloween mask of a bloody pig, and a book titled "Grief Diaries: Surviving Loss of a Spouse."

eBay Intimidation Campaign

The ordeal began in 2019 with what authorities describe as an "online intimidation campaign." 

The Steiners, who operate their e-commerce trade publication called EcommerceBytes, were targeted by an eBay seller's Twitter account, now known as X. The motive behind the harassment was allegedly linked to the Steiners' reporting on eBay.

 They were threatened to cease their coverage of the auction giant, setting the stage for a series of disturbing events.

The seven eBay employees who waged the ruthless campaign against the Natick, Massachusetts couple were handed down felony convictions. 

Allegations of Break-In 

The Steiners, in their lawsuit against eBay, claimed that the company attempted to break into their garage to install a GPS tracking device.

The alleged intent was to defame the couple and coerce them into halting their reporting on eBay. This shocking revelation underscores the lengths to which the intimidation campaign went.

The Justice Department's ruling on Thursday affirmed eBay's culpability in the harassment campaign.

Acting Massachusetts US Attorney Joshua S. Levy denounced eBay's conduct as "absolutely horrific" and criminal, emphasizing the ordeal the victims endured. The decision highlights the need for scrutiny of corporate behavior and the repercussions for companies involved in criminal activities.

eBay statement

An eBay spokesperson pointed out that CEO Jamie Iannone posted a statement on the company’s website that announced that it entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. 

It also claimed “The company’s conduct in 2019 was wrong and reprehensible. … We continue to extend our deepest apologies to the Steiners for what they endured. Since these events occurred, new leaders have joined the company and eBay has strengthened its policies, procedures, controls, and training.”