Abscam

[ ab-skam ]

/ ˈæbˌskæm /

|

noun

the code name for an FBI investigation (1978–80) of bribery, involving members of Congress.

Origin of Abscam

Ab(dul Enterprises Ltd.) + scam, from the name of the business used as a front by the FBI

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for abscam

Weinberg was 56 and his wife 48 when the 1980 Abscam sting went down, whereas Bale is 39 and Lawrence 23.
From ‘American Hustle’ to ‘Saving Mr. Banks,’ Why Is Hollywood Hooked On Embellishing the Truth?|Marina Watts, Marlow Stern|January 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The rules have made a large stunt like Abscam impossible to pursue today.
The Real Story and Lesson of the Abscam Sting in ‘American Hustle’|Jimmy So|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The FBI official who thought up and headed Abscam was John Good, another Bronx native.
The Real Story and Lesson of the Abscam Sting in ‘American Hustle’|Jimmy So|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Errichetti opened Abscam wide, and connected Weinberg to a whole host of U.S. congressmen.
The Real Story and Lesson of the Abscam Sting in ‘American Hustle’|Jimmy So|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST

They look like they came from the age of Abscam, and should have stayed there.
The Real Story and Lesson of the Abscam Sting in ‘American Hustle’|Jimmy So|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST