Hustler Words – A former Rippling employee, Keith O’Brien, who confessed to spying for Deel, has been granted a restraining order against unidentified men who he claims have been relentlessly following him and his family. This dramatic development, reported by hustlerwords.com, adds another layer of intrigue to the already explosive legal battle between the two rival HR tech companies.
O’Brien’s affidavit, filed with an Irish court, details repeated instances of surveillance. He described being followed by various vehicles, including a gray Skoda Superb and a black SUV driven by a distinctive man, often accompanied by a large dog. His attempts to evade his pursuers proved futile, leading him to believe tracking devices may have been placed on his car. He even hired a security consulting firm, highlighting the escalating fear for his family’s safety.
The incident follows O’Brien’s April confession, where he admitted to stealing Rippling’s confidential data for Deel in exchange for a €5,000 monthly payment. His apprehension involved a dramatic attempt to destroy his phone, culminating in pieces being flushed down a drain at his mother-in-law’s house. Currently, he’s a key witness for Rippling in its lawsuit against Deel, with Rippling covering his legal costs. Deel, meanwhile, is countersuing, alleging Rippling also engaged in espionage.
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The alleged harassment has taken a significant toll on O’Brien and his family. He testified to experiencing severe anxiety, sleep disruption, and concentration problems, fearing for the well-being of his four children. While O’Brien and his lawyer suspect the surveillance is linked to his role as a witness, they admit to lacking concrete evidence tying the men to Deel, who denies any involvement.
The judge, according to the Business Post, reportedly commented on the situation’s resemblance to a "1970s cops and robbers" TV show, underscoring the bizarre and intense nature of the unfolding events. This case underscores the high stakes and cutthroat competition in the HR tech industry, with O’Brien caught in the middle of a bitter feud between two powerful companies. The ongoing legal battles and the chilling tale of surveillance paint a picture of corporate espionage gone terribly wrong.
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