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.
