eBay Managers Sentenced for Cyberstalking Campaign Against Critics

In a federal court in Boston, Brian Gilbert, the former Senior Manager of Special Operations for eBay's Global Security Team, was sentenced for his involvement in a cyberstalking campaign against a Massachusetts couple. Gilbert, 56, received a sentence of time served, one year of supervised release with a no-contact order with the victims, and a $20,000 fine. This case is part of a broader investigation that has already seen several eBay executives face penalties for their roles in the harassment. The campaign, described as an "unspeakable" effort to intimidate and silence critics of eBay, involved multiple employees and contractors. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy highlighted the toxic culture within eBay that allowed such behavior to flourish. Previous sentences include Stephanie Popp, who received 12 months in prison, and Philip Cooke, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison and an additional year of home confinement. The court's decision to dismiss charges against eBay hinges on the company's compliance with legal standards over the next three years. This includes demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct from the executive level down to all employees. The defendants engaged in various tactics, including sending threatening messages and attempting to mislead law enforcement to cover up their actions. As the investigation unfolded, the defendants took steps to delete incriminating digital evidence, further complicating the federal inquiry into their misconduct. The case underscores significant concerns regarding corporate accountability and the lengths to which some employees will go to protect a company's reputation.