Internet calls for eBay shutdown amid $3M fine for sending live spiders and cockroaches to couple

MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES: The multinational corporation, eBay recently found itself in the crosshairs of social media users who are now calling for its shutdown. This follows reports that the company sent live spiders and cockroaches to a couple in Massachusetts, a move that has sparked widespread ridicule and criticism.

Multinational companies (MNCs) like eBay seem to be increasingly becoming the target of jokes among social media users.

For instance, Tinder recently faced significant backlash when it introduced a premium subscription service called Tinder Select, priced at a hefty $499 per month.

In another instance, a big MNC like Amazon recently caused discontent by announcing the implementation of in-stream advertisements during movies and TV shows starting January 29, 2024.

The online community expressed dissatisfaction, especially when Amazon revealed that users would be required to pay an additional $2.99 per month for an ad-free experience.

eBay set to pay $3 million fine

In a recent CNN report, it was disclosed that eBay is slated to pay a substantial $3 million criminal penalty in connection with a disturbing harassment campaign orchestrated against a Massachusetts-based couple.

This couple operated a newsletter that scrutinized eBay's practices. In retaliation, eBay launched a campaign to harrass the couple.

The campaign, conducted by eBay employees in 2019, included sending appalling packages such as a bloody pig mask, a fetal pig, live insects, and even a funeral wreath to the targeted couple.

CNN delved into the legal consequences eBay is facing, outlining six criminal charges, including stalking, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.

The settlement, announced on Thursday, January 11, reflects the maximum statutory fine for these charges, as stated by the Massachusetts US attorney's office. Joshua Levy, the state's acting US attorney, characterized eBay's actions as "absolutely horrific", emphasizing the ordeal the victims endured and describing it as a campaign to silence critical reporting and safeguard eBay's brand.

As part of the settlement terms, eBay is mandated to enlist an independent corporate compliance monitor for three years and bolster its compliance program, according to CNN.

In a public statement, eBay's CEO, Jamie Iannone, acknowledged the company's wrongdoing and issued profound apologies to the victims, as per CNN. Iannone emphasized the company's commitment to change, mentioning strengthened policies, procedures, controls, and training since the disturbing events occurred.

As per a prior statement from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the unsettling packages comprised items such as "a box of live cockroaches," "a book on surviving the loss of a spouse, and pornography”, as reported by CNN.

According to the US attorney’s statement, there was discontent among eBay employees, including Jim Baugh, the senior director of safety and security at the time, regarding the critical newsletter that the victim couple had written.

The intimidation campaign was aimed to force the couple into altering the content of their newsletter. The harassment extended beyond disturbing packages, with eBay employees surveilling the couple at their home, installing a GPS tracking device on their car, and even posting their address on Craigslist for sexual encounters, according to CNN.

Levy said, “We left no stone unturned in our mission to hold accountable every individual who turned the victims’ world upside-down through a never-ending nightmare of menacing and criminal acts."

Jim Baugh, identified as the ringleader by the attorney, received a 57-month prison sentence in September 2022, while six other employees faced felony convictions for their involvement.

Despite eBay terminating all involved employees in 2020, the report emphasizes that the former chief communications officer, among those terminated, has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, as per CNN's findings.

Internet calls for eBay's 'shutdown'

eBay's actions have left to anger and discontentment among social media users.

A user wrote, "That's beyond bizarre!"

Another user wrote, "Jail time should be involved."

A user called for eBay's shutdown and wrote, "Can they shut down that site already…"

A user commented, "What?????😭😭😭😭 an employee did this?"

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