eBay to Pay $3M Penalty for Harassment Campaign Against Critics

Seven former employees convicted in scheme that involved sending disturbing items to a couple who published a critical newsletter.

eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty for a harassment campaign conducted by several of its employees against a Massachusetts couple who published a newsletter critical of the company.
The harassment included sending the couple disturbing items such as live spiders and cockroaches, a bloody pig mask, and a book on surviving the loss of a spouse.
The company was charged with stalking, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice, with seven former eBay employees having been convicted for their involvement.
The harassment campaign was led by eBay's former Senior Director of Safety and Security, Jim Baugh, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
As part of the settlement, eBay will retain an independent corporate compliance monitor for three years and make enhancements to its compliance program.