eBay’s Bizarre Cockroach Cult (Live Insects, Bloody Pigs and De@th Threats)
This is the twisted story of how small cult of eBay employees turned life into a nightmare for an unsuspecting innocent coupon called the Steiners, co-publishers of Ecommerce Bytes. The group employed juvenile and grotesque tactics straight from the dark corners of the corporate soul.
The Steiners, married for over 30 years, operated a news website covering eCommerce industry news, providing a platform for sellers to voice their concerns. The majority of their readers were sellers on major platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy, making them a crucial voice in the industry.
However, their peaceful existence crumbled when, on August 8th, they were bombarded with unusual newsletter sign-ups, followed by relentless Twitter harassment featuring threats like 'Shut up, or else.' The situation escalated with deliveries of disturbing items, including a pig mask from the horror movie "Saw" and boxes of live cockroaches and spiders.
Despite involving the police, the torment continued, spreading to the Steiners' neighbors with explicit material, fake yard sale listings, and even a book on surviving the loss of a spouse addressed to David Steiner. The nightmare reached its zenith with a funeral wreath delivered to their doorstep, signaling the onset of a real-life horror movie.
The turning point came when David noticed a car following him, capturing a photo of the license plate that prompted law enforcement to intensify their investigation. Veronica Zea, an eBay employee, emerged as a key figure, but her escape and subsequent home confinement only added to the mystique of the case. The FBI took charge, leading to the indictment of six eBay employees and contractors, unraveling a sinister plot hatched within eBay's corporate headquarters.
The revelation exposed a toxic corporate culture, fueled by pressure from hedge fund Elliott Management and a desire for career advancement. The eBay employees formed a cult-like group, orchestrating a relentless campaign to crush the Steiners' critical coverage.
In a shocking twist, eBay itself avoided criminal charges, raising questions about corporate accountability. Top executives, Devin Wenig and Steve Wymer, were found innocent, despite incriminating messages. Wymer was fired, while Wenig resigned with a substantial exit package.
The Steiners embarked on a civil case against eBay and its former executives, seeking justice for the unimaginable torment they endured. This riveting true story exposes the dark underbelly of corporate power, illustrating the lengths some are willing to go to silence dissenting voices. Join us as we delve into the shocking details of the eBay scandal, a tale of corporate conspiracy and the quest for justice.
