For the first time, the online auction site eBay has publicly responded to complaints of fraudulent auctions by user Alisher71, possibly a Naples resident. In the last 30 days, Alisher Mardonov and Shahnoza Khakimova allegedly listed over 1000 items on eBay, accepted payment, but never delivered the merchandise.

The auctions began in mid November listing everything from iPods to laptop computers. For many winning bidders, the items never came.

It wasn’t until December 19th, following numerous complaints, that eBay finally shut down the seller Alisher71.

With his account frozen, blogs and petitions are popping up with people from across the nation venting their holiday frustration.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office wants to speak to Alisher Mardonov and Shahnoza Khakimova regarding the auctions.

Neighbors say they last saw the couple two weeks ago.

Many of the buyers who lost money are blaming eBay for allowing this to happen.

In response, eBay spokesperson Chris Donnelly said they only “provide the space. How people come together and trade on the space is really up to those individuals.”

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Posted: 12|28|05 at 11:35 am. Filed under: US News.