Online retailer eBay Inc. has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle criminal charges stemming from a harassment campaign carried out by its employees.
As per court documents, eBay has been charged by the Justice Department with stalking, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. Previously, the company’s employees had already faced legal action for their involvement in a widespread scheme aimed at intimidating David and Ina Steiner over three years ago. This campaign stems from the couple’s online newsletter, EcommerceBytes, which had been critical of eBay executives and their actions.
As a result, the Steiners have taken legal action against the e-commerce giant in federal court. They outlined how their lives are being disrupted by cyberstalking and distressing deliveries of anonymous packages. Ina says she’s received harassing and occasionally threatening Twitter messages along with numerous unusual emails.
In addition to receiving a package containing live spiders and cockroaches, the couple was confronted with unsettling items such as a funeral wreath, a gruesome pig mask covered in fake blood, and a book about coping with the loss of a spouse, all delivered to their doorstep. Furthermore, their residential address was publicly shared on the internet, accompanied by announcements inviting strangers to yard sales and parties at their home.
Nevertheless, James Baugh, eBay’s senior director of safety and security, was one of seven former employees who eventually pleaded guilty to charges related to this case. In 2022, he received a nearly five-year prison sentence. Additionally, another former executive, David Harville, received a two years sentence. Former CEO Devin Wenig was not criminally charged in connection with this case. He has consistently denied any knowledge of the harassment or instructing anyone to engage in any illegal activities.
