Couple who got live insects, bloody pig mask mailed to them reach settlement with eBay

Core Viewpoint - A Massachusetts couple reached a settlement in their lawsuit against eBay Inc. after being subjected to harassment by former employees, which included bizarre and threatening deliveries [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The couple, David and Ina Steiner, filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging that eBay engaged in a conspiracy to intimidate and silence them due to their reporting on the company [2]. - The harassment included cyberstalking, death threats, and in-person surveillance by former eBay employees [2]. Group 2: Settlement and Legal Proceedings - The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and the case was dismissed by a Boston U.S. District Judge, allowing either party to reopen it within 60 days if the agreement is not finalized [3]. - eBay acknowledged the misconduct of the former employees and stated it would address the situation fairly [4]. Group 3: Criminal Charges and Penalties - In 2020, federal prosecutors charged seven former eBay employees for their roles in a coordinated harassment campaign against the couple, with most pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy and cyberstalking [4]. - eBay agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024 under a deferred prosecution agreement with federal authorities [5]. - The harassment included bizarre deliveries such as live cockroaches, spiders, a funeral wreath, and a bloody pig face mask, along with plans to install a GPS device on the couple's car [5].