Coca-Cola Trade Secrets Scandal: Employee Jailed for Espionage Attempt

Coca-Cola Trade Secrets Scandal: Employee Jailed for Espionage Attempt

In 2006, a Coca-Cola executive assistant attempted to sell confidential trade secrets to Pepsi in a scheme valued at $1.5 million.

However, instead of accepting the offer, Pepsi alerted Coca-Cola, prompting an FBI investigation. A sting operation at Atlanta airport led to the arrest of three conspirators, with the Coca-Cola employee sentenced to eight years in prison.

This high-profile case, which took place amid the long-standing rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, led both companies to reassess their internal security measures to prevent future breaches.