US justice department accuses company of ‘absolutely horrific, criminal conduct’ over targeted campaign waged by employees
The online retailer eBay will pay a $3m fine to resolve criminal charges over a harassment campaign waged by employees who sent live spiders, cockroaches and other disturbing items to the home of a Massachusetts couple, according to court papers filed on Thursday.
The justice department charged eBay with stalking, witness tampering and obstruction of justice. The employees already were prosecuted in the extensive scheme to intimidate David and Ina Steiner more than three years ago. The couple produced an online newsletter called EcommerceBytes that upset eBay executives with its coverage.
The retailer has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement that could result in the charges against the California-headquartered company being dismissed if it complies with certain conditions, according to the US attorney’s office in Massachusetts.
The acting Massachusetts US attorney, Josh Levy, said in an emailed statement: “Ebay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct.
