victimless crime

noun

1. a legal offense, as prostitution or gambling, to which all participating parties have consented.

victimless crime

/ ˈvɪktɪmləs /

noun

1. a type of crime, such as insurance fraud, regarded by some people as being excusable because the victim is the state or an organization, rather than an individual

victimless crime

1. A term sometimes used for various acts that are considered crimes under the law but apparently have no victim. One such crime is prostitution, which is viewed by some as a commercial exchange between two consenting adults.

Word History and Origins

Origin of victimless crime¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“It’s also important to remember that cargo theft is not a victimless crime,” McDonnell said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said such theft was "not a victimless crime", adding that it triggered violence and abuse towards staff and cost retailers and customers £2.2bn a year.

Read more on BBC

TfL says fare evasion is "not a victimless crime" and "robs Londoners of vital investment", adding that it was "committed to reducing the current rate of fare evasion to 1.5% by 2030".

Read more on BBC

"Money laundering is not a victimless crime. It's associated with some of the most high-harm and violent crimes on the street," she said.

Read more on BBC

"It's not a victimless crime. Somebody always pays the price for it down the line. And for us, it's the staff in here," she adds.

Read more on BBC