Rippling Pressures Revolut to Disclose Who Settled Deel’s Alleged ‘Spy’ Payment
The ongoing legal battle between Rippling and Deel has taken a dramatic turn with the emergence of U.K. fintech powerhouse Revolut. This twist adds another layer to the controversy surrounding allegations of corporate espionage that have captivated the tech world.
Allegations Against Deel and Revolut’s Involvement
In a striking affidavit, Keith O’Brien, an Irish employee of Rippling, disclosed that Deel allegedly paid him approximately $6,000 monthly to gather intelligence on Rippling. Notably, the initial payment was reportedly transferred to his Revolut account by Alba Basha Westgarth, the spouse of Deel’s COO, Dan Westgarth, back in November 2024.
Background on Alba Basha Westgarth
At the time of the alleged payment, Westgarth was serving as the crypto compliance lead at Robinhood, as indicated by a now-deleted LinkedIn profile. According to TechCrunch, Robinhood confirmed her departure earlier this year but did not clarify the circumstances surrounding it.
- The deleted LinkedIn profile indicated Westgarth was based in Dubai.
- Dubai is currently where Deel’s CEO and legal director are located, complicating Rippling’s efforts to serve legal papers.
- The UAE is known for its status as an extradition haven.
Legal Actions and Requirements
Rippling has initiated legal proceedings against Revolut to obtain the full name and address of “Alba Basha,” as listed on the $6,000 receipt. Court documents reveal that Rippling is also requesting account opening documentation, including identification and utility bills, to verify her identity.
In response, Revolut has enlisted a prominent lawyer in Ireland and sent a letter to Rippling, described as “helpful but complicated” by a Rippling attorney during a court hearing.
Compliance with Privacy Laws
It is crucial to note that there are currently no allegations of wrongdoing against Revolut. The European Union’s stringent privacy regulations make it challenging to disclose such information, particularly in civil cases. A significant factor is the absence of a directive from the Irish court mandating Revolut to release this data.
While Revolut declined to comment on the specific case, they stated to TechCrunch that they “will always comply with any court order request for disclosure.” The possibility of Revolut revealing further details about the transfer involving “Alba Basha” remains uncertain. Under European privacy laws, obtaining customer consent is another option, but that seems improbable in this situation.
Responses from Deel and Rippling
Deel has denied any wrongdoing but did not respond to requests for comments. Both Dan Westgarth and Alba Basha Westgarth have also remained silent on the matter. Rippling has chosen not to make any public statements.
Irish High Court’s Position
Although definitive evidence is lacking, the Irish High Court has suggested it may support Rippling’s request to confirm the identity of Alba Basha. During an April 2 court session, Rippling’s lawyer presented evidence linking Westgarth to Dan Westgarth, including a photo of the couple on Facebook. Judge Mark Sanfey remarked that while it “could be a coincidence, it’s unlikely!”
As this case unfolds, the tech community is closely monitoring these developments, which could have significant implications for all parties involved.
