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Rippling Accuses Deel of $5,000 Monthly Ethereum Payments for Corporate Espionage

Coin WorldThursday, Apr 3, 2025 3:17 pm ET
2min read

A former employee of Rippling has made a startling allegation, claiming that he was paid $5,000 monthly in Ethereum to act as a corporate spy for rival company Deel. This revelation sheds light on the intense competition within the tech industry and the lengths to which companies may go to gain an edge over their competitors.

According to Keith O’Brien, the former Rippling employee, Deel’s CEO Alex Bouaziz likened the scheme to a “James Bond” operation during conversations about gathering insider information. O’Brien’s affidavit, filed in a Dublin court, details how he provided daily insights into Rippling’s strategies and customer information to Deel’s CEO multiple times a day. This espionage began in September 2024 while O’Brien was still employed by Rippling, highlighting the depth of the unethical practices involved. The payments in Ethereum were used to ensure anonymity, with Deel executives citing the benefits of cryptocurrency to avoid leaving a payment trail.

The legal battle between Rippling and Deel has significant implications for the HR technology sector, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic shift towards remote work. Rippling’s lawsuit against Deel alleges that the latter orchestrated a calculated scheme to undermine Rippling while benefiting from insider information. Such allegations can severely damage reputations in an industry already sensitive to issues of integrity and security.

The use of Ethereum as a means of compensation in this case raises broader questions about the role of cryptocurrency in corporate ethics. As the cryptocurrency industry strives to distance itself from its association with illicit activities, this incident underscores the challenges it faces. High-profile companies like Deel and Rippling, valued in excess of $10 billion, are now under scrutiny for their ethical practices, particularly in the context of crypto payments.

O’Brien’s reflections on his involvement in the espionage scheme offer a personal perspective on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in high-stakes environments. Initially embracing the role of the corporate mole, O’Brien’s sentiment changed when he was served a court order to inspect his devices. Concerned about the potential repercussions for his family, he ultimately decided to confess to the court. His experience highlights the complex interplay between professional loyalty and ethical conduct in the corporate world.

The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the balance between loyalty to one’s employer and ethical considerations. As competition in the tech landscape intensifies, companies must reinforce their internal cultures to prevent such espionage incidents and promote transparency. Initiatives that foster open communication and employee engagement may help mitigate the risks associated with corporate espionage in the future.

This incident underscores the darker side of corporate competition and the unpredictable ethics that can arise in the tech world. As the case between Rippling and Deel continues to unfold, the industry will scrutinize the implications of such espionage allegations on corporate relations and ethical standards. The importance of fostering integrity within organizations cannot be overstated in an age where information is as valuable as currency.

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Conscious_Shine_5100
04/03
Crypto payments for espionage? Deel's execs really thought Ethereum was the ultimate stealth mode. 🤔
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MonstarGaming
04/03
@Conscious_Shine_5100 Deel's execs were like, "Ethereum = secret sauce." Little did they know, it's more like the secret sauce spilled all over the blockchain. 🤷♂️
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TailungFu
04/03
Deel's "James Bond" move, pretty shady AF.
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Fluffy-Belt1325
04/03
@TailungFu Pretty sketchy, ngl.
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AdvantageNo3180
04/03
@TailungFu Deel got some 'plainin to do.
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EightBitMemory
04/03
Loyalty vs. ethics, tough call in tech.
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NinjaImaginary2775
04/03
@EightBitMemory Totally, ethics over loyalty.
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zarrasvand
04/03
Rippling vs Deel is like a Silicon Valley soap opera. Who needs Netflix when you have corporate espionage?
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GrapeJuicex
04/03
Deel's "James Bond" operation? More like "Mission: Impossible—Ethically Challenged." Rippling's lawsuit could be a game-changer.
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Anteater_Able
04/03
@GrapeJuicex Rippling's move could be the "tinfoil hat" moment for Deel. 🚀
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stanxv
04/03
I hold some $TSLA and $AAPL, focusing on ethical leadership. Companies like Rippling and Deel make me question my portfolio choices.
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Anonym0us_amongus
04/03
As a trader, I'm more interested in how this affects stock valuations. HR tech is getting spicy. Keep eyes peeled.
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Very_Guilty_Lawyer
04/03
$5k monthly in Ethereum for corporate espionage? That's some serious cheddar. Wonder if it was worth the risk.
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RedneckTrader
04/03
Crypto and corporate espionage, wild times.
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M-I-G-V
04/03
@RedneckTrader Makes sense
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cfeltus23
04/03
Rippling vs. Deel: drama in HR tech.
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Dosimetry4Ever
04/03
Rippling and Deel's drama highlights the importance of ethics in business. HR tech's reputation is on the line.
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Hoshigetsu
04/03
Corporate espionage, crypto-style: when 'James Bond' ops leave a digital trail
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Interesting_Award_86
04/03
This saga shows how far some will go for competitive edge. Wonder if Rippling will turn this around with a strong lawsuit.
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breakyourteethnow
04/03
Hope O'Brien's family stays safe, rippling effects 😬.
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Derikkopp
04/03
@breakyourteethnow alright
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stanxv
04/03
Rippling vs Deel is like a startup soap opera. Crypto payments for espionage? Wild times for HR tech. 🤔
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