E|194 Espionage

When a Fortune 500 Company Became the HarasserCriminal Mischief – eBay's Campaign of Intimidation What happens when one of the world's largest technology companies decides it doesn't like what a journalist is writing? For one Massachusetts couple, the answer was months of harassment, surveillance, intimidation, and psychological warfare. This week on Criminal Mischief, Carolyn Ossorio investigates one of the strangest corporate crime stories in recent American history: the federal criminal case against eBay and the extraordinary campaign carried out against the publishers of the online newsletter EcommerceBytes. When Ina and David Steiner published articles critical of eBay's leadership and business practices, company executives didn't simply issue a statement or dispute the reporting. Instead, members of eBay's own Global Security team launched an astonishing harassment campaign designed to terrorize the couple into silence. Anonymous threats. Late-night deliveries. Disturbing packages. Constant surveillance. Online intimidation. And plans that investigators would later describe as escalating far beyond anything anyone expected from a publicly traded corporation. Using courtroom recordings, police interviews, FBI evidence, witness testimony, and the defendants' own admissions, Carolyn reconstructs the conspiracy from its inception through the federal investigation, guilty pleas, and sentencing of those involved. Along the way, she explores the corporate culture that allowed the campaign to flourish, the executives who authorized it, and the legal questions that continue to surround one of Silicon Valley's most shocking scandals. At its heart, this isn't simply a story about corporate misconduct. It's about the freedom of the press, the abuse of power, and what can happen when criticism becomes something an organization believes must be eliminated instead of answered. Because sometimes the most dangerous criminals don't wear masks. They wear employee badges. 🎧 Listen & Follow Listen to Criminal Mischief wherever you get your podcasts, and be sure to follow so you never miss an investigation. ⭐ Rate & Review If you're enjoying Criminal Mischief, please leave a 5-star rating and review. It helps more listeners discover the show and supports independent investigative journalism. 📺 Watch on YouTube Watch full episodes, exclusive interviews, and companion content on the Evio Creative YouTube Channel. 📱 Join the Conversation Follow us on social media and join the discussion. Share your thoughts, suggest future investigations, and connect with other listeners who love digging beneath the headlines. 📧 Have a Story? Know of a case that deserves another look? Email us anytime at [email protected]. Your tip could become the focus of a future investigation. 🕵️ New Episodes Every Week Real crimes. Real investigations. Real consequences. Every week on Criminal Mischief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices