E-commerce company, eBay has reached an agreement to pay a $3 million fine to settle harassment charges brought against the company in connection with actions targeting bloggers critical of its practices.
Former senior director Jim Baugh, along with six associates, were involved in a campaign against Ina and David Steiner, who produced a newsletter that displeased eBay executives.
The harassment tactics included disturbing acts, such as sending live spiders, cockroaches, a foetal pig, and even a funeral wreath to the Steiners’ residence.
The campaign escalated further with the installation of a GPS tracking device on their car and the creation of fake Craigslist posts for sexual encounters at their home.
After the incident came to light, eBay took swift action by terminating the employment of the individuals responsible for the harassment.
In 2021, Philip Cooke, an eBay employee, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Subsequently, in the following year, Jim Baugh received a nearly five-year sentence.
Baugh claimed that there was pressure from former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to curb the Steiners’ coverage.
However, Wenig, who stepped down in 2019, denied any knowledge of the situation and has not faced charges.
Acting Massachusetts US Attorney Josh Levy strongly condemned eBay’s actions, describing them as “absolutely horrific, criminal conduct.”
