Nuked 
Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today we dive into a tale that’s straight out of a corporate thriller.
Rippling has recently disclosed an astonishing affidavit detailing the exploits of one of its former employees, who, it turns out, moonlighted as a spy for its competitor, Deel.
The accusations, laid bare in a lawsuit, paint a picture reminiscent of a Hollywood script. Picture this: a corporate spy, operating under the guise of an employee, infiltrating the ranks, and ultimately, getting caught in a web of deceit.
Enter Keith O’Brien, who was ensnared by Rippling in July 2023. As he navigated his role in the global payroll department in Dublin, he set his sights on Deel, participating in interviews and networking.
However, things took a dramatic turn when Deel’s leadership suggested he act as a double agent instead of resigning. O’Brien was promised a handsome reward for feeding them information about his employer.
From confidential documents to valuable leads, O’Brien shared a treasure trove of information with Deel while thinking he was being discreet.
But, as fate would have it, his evidence-cleaning efforts backfired spectacularly. He wiped his devices clean, attempting to erase the digital trail he had left, yet inadvertently left behind a breadcrumb trail on iCloud.
Rippling, suspecting foul play, laid a trap to expose him. A covert communication warned about a Slack channel harboring sensitive information—only to be revealed as a bait.
When confronted by a lawyer, O’Brien put up a frantic fight to hide his phone and destroy evidence, leading to an epic scene where he smashed his phone to pieces.
As the drama unfolded, he found himself in a precarious position, exchanging messages with Deel insiders, who suggested extreme measures—including fleeing to Dubai.
In a turn of events, O’Brien finally decided to cooperate with the authorities, shifting gears in this unfolding drama.
Though Deel has labeled Rippling’s claims as sensationalized, the tension between these two tech giants has reached new heights.
With the legal battles heating up, one thing is for sure: corporate espionage has never looked so entertaining.
